• During difficult times, Tennessee families can turn to several state food programs when in need.family image by Linda Mattson from Fotolia.com
  
  In Tennessee, the state Department of Human Services administers a number of programs designed to help financially challenged parents and children with assistance for food purchases. Eligibility criteria include Tennessee residency, US citizenship, and meeting income guidelines based on household size. Some programs target pregnant women and younger children.
  
  

Women, Infants and Children Program

• In Tennessee, the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) is designed to provide supplemental food to women with low incomes who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and to children until the age of five. The WIC program aims to prevent nutrition-related health problems in mothers and their young children by providing access to healthy foods. To qualify for WIC assistance, applicants must meet specific income guidelines depending on family size. As of 2010, income limits begin at $20,036 annually for a one-person household, with $6,919 added to the annual income for each additional family member. In addition to income requirements, applicants must be Tennessee residents who are deemed to be at medical or nutritional risk. Recipients of WIC are given vouchers on a monthly basis to cover the purchase of groceries such as cheese, eggs, milk, juice, and cereal.
  
  

Child and Adult Care Food Program

• The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a Tennessee program funded by the federal government. It provides reimbursement for the purchase of eligible meals served to individuals who meet the program's requirements. Meals are administered by child and adult care centers, emergency shelters, and afterschool programs for children considered at risk. Participating care facilities provide the meals and are then reimbursed for the costs by the United States Department of Agriculture. Needy applicants must submit information to the facility to determine if they qualify for either free or reduced-price meals. As of 2010, income guidelines begin at $14,079 for one-person households to receive free meals and add an additional $4,862 per additional household member. For reduced-price meals, income requirements range from $14,080 to $20,036 for one-person households and increase by $6,919 for each additional household member.
  
  

Food Stamp Program

• The Tennessee Department of Human Services administers the state's food stamp program to aid low-income, elderly, disabled, and unemployed residents with the purchase of food. Qualified applicants receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which is then loaded with funds equaling the amount of benefits each applicant is allowed. Individuals can then use the EBT card at participating retailers to purchase groceries. In order to qualify for food stamp benefits, applicants must be Tennessee residents and US citizens; able-bodied applicants must be either employed or registered for work and searching for employment opportunities. As of 2010, income requirements begin at $1,174 per month for a one-person household and increase by $406 for each additional household member. The amount of assistance received is determined based on the applicant's need.