NASHVILLE, TN - Tennessee Senate Democrats are calling on Gov. Bill Lee to declare a state of emergency to protect nearly 700,000 Tennesseans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed their families.

In a letter delivered to the governor’s office Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D–Memphis, urged immediate executive action to coordinate emergency hunger relief efforts as the federal government shutdown will begin halting the distribution of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1.

“This imminent disruption will not be felt in spreadsheets or reports — it will be felt in empty pantries, in classrooms where hungry children can’t focus, and in the hearts of parents and caregivers wondering how to buy more bread and milk,” Sen. Akbari wrote.

Under Tennessee law, a state of emergency would empower the governor to mobilize agencies, direct emergency funds, expand local food assistance, and bolster the capacity of food banks and community organizations. Similar measures have been enacted by governors in both parties in other states.

“This is not a partisan issue. It’s a human one,” Akbari said. “Hunger doesn’t check voter registration cards. Without swift action, we’ll see mothers skipping meals, seniors cutting their pills in half to afford groceries, and children showing up to school hungry — all through no fault of their own.”

The letter was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Caucus Chairwoman Sen. London Lamar of Memphis, Vice Chairwoman Sen. Charlane Oliver of Nashville, Sen. Heidi Campbell of Nashville, Sen. Sara Kyle of Memphis, and Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville.

Democrats are united in calling for emergency relief to address hunger in the state, emphasizing that Tennessee’s government has the tools and resources to help families before they lose access to food assistance.

“Leadership means stepping in before people fall — not after,” Akbari added. “This moment calls for compassion backed by decisive action.”

In Tennessee, SNAP primarily serves children, people with disabilities, senior citizens and low-income working parents.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services has announced it cannot load benefits for November due to the ongoing federal shutdown, creating an imminent risk of food insecurity statewide.

President Donald Trump and the Republicans who control Congress refuse to negotiate a deal to lower health care prices and reopen the federal government. The U.S. House of Representatives has been closed for legislative business since Sept. 19 at the order of the Republican speaker of the House.