Tennessee Justice Center

08/24/2026

better late than never!

08/24/2026

Due to recent power outages in Memphis, we want to remind you that replacement SNAP is available!

If you get SNAP benefits (food stamps) and you lost food during a power outage, you may be able to receive replacement SNAP benefits. Fill out an application within 10 days of experiencing food loss to receive replacement benefits. You could get up to the amount of your regular monthly payment to replace the lost food!

The easiest way to submit a SNAP Replacement Application is through the One DHS Customer Portal at https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp.

TDHS also accepts SNAP replacement applications by fax, mail, drop box, or in-office submission.

Learn more here: 🔗 https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/tdhs-disaster-emergency-assistance.html

Disaster Related Emergency Assistance If using a mobile device to complete any of these forms, you may need to download a free PDF reader. Replacement SNAP Benefits (for existing SNAP recipients): The Tennessee Department of Human Services is prepared to provide replacement Supplemental Nutrition As...

08/24/2026

Introducing Patricia C. Gunn, Esq., one of our 2026 Hall of Fame Honorees!

Patricia has donated thousands of hours to advancing the mission of the Tennessee Justice Center and serving TJC’s clients. A graduate of Fisk University and Boston College Law School, Patricia has had a distinguished career in academia and public service. She served in the United States Department of Justice in DOJ’s prestigious Office of the Solicitor General and in its Office of International Affairs. She then had a career as a law professor at Ohio University, from which she recently retired.

In 2006-2007, Patricia took a sabbatical from teaching to volunteer full time at TJC. It was at a critical time, when TJC was struggling to remedy TennCare’s failing system of care for over 400,000 children. Patricia’s generous spirit, calm assurance, and selfless dedication not only served countless clients, but also Inspired and sustained TJC’s staff.

Patricia's legacy as an educator and passionate advocate has shaped countless careers in public interest law and inspired the next generation. We're deeply grateful for her mentorship and impact, and we are looking forward to recognizing her on September 10th!

TICKETS ARE LIMITED, PURCHASE WHILE THEY LAST! ⭐️ https://www.tnjustice.org/gala

08/21/2026

to last month when TJC Board Member Britney Kirksey brought our team cupcakes on HER birthday! How generous and sweet (no pun intended 😉) Happy belated birthday, Britney!

Michele Johnson

08/21/2026

Join us in Memphis, TN, for a happy hour on October 29th from 5:30-7:30PM CT! RSVP by emailing [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

08/20/2026

3 WEEKS AWAY FROM OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA! The official theme is "From Grit to Pearl!" Join us on September 10th at the Music City Center in variations of white, ivory, and pearl! 🤍

Get your tickets at https://www.tnjustice.org/gala

08/19/2026

For people facing tough times, SNAP can be the bridge between hardship and recovery. It helps stabilize families, cover gaps between jobs, and gives people a fair shot at rebuilding; however, overly restrictive policies that have recently been put in place will act as roadblocks to this recovery.

John from Spring Hill, TN, was released after serving eight years in federal prison, and he says that SNAP is the only thing keeping him alive as he works to start over: 'It's rough starting all over again.'"

Certain people are required to work 20 hours per week to keep SNAP benefits beyond three months. Most people who are required to meet work requirements do meet them, but for many people who can’t find work, have trouble getting enough hours, or have physical or mental limitations, this becomes a barrier.

Strict work requirements do not help people find work. Instead, they kick people off the SNAP program, taking food away from people who are trying desperately to find employment.

The SNAP cuts that were signed into law through HR 1 will make work requirements stricter and prevent even more eligible people from accessing the program. In a system already full of barriers, SNAP is often the only reliable support.

There are more changes to the funding of SNAP coming down the pipeline, and Tennessee needs more time to prepare. Use your voice to encourage Congress to delay the cost shift so Tennessee can plan accordingly and deal with the current SNAP crisis in our state.

Find advocacy tools at https://www.tnjustice.org/joinus

08/19/2026

There are many changes happening in the world of SNAP (food stamps) right now. That's why TJC keeps their antihunger page updated with the most accurate information about SNAP.

As things about SNAP change, TJC remains a reliable source.

Learn more at https://www.tnjustice.org/snap

08/18/2026

Let's clear up some myths about the SNAP program in Tennessee.

SNAP is how hundreds of thousands of Tennessee families put food on the table while working, caring for family, going to school, or trying to get back on their feet.

New federal changes expand SNAP work requirements to include:
🔸Adults ages 18-64, which is a change from ages 18-54
🔸 Many people experiencing homelessness
🔸 Veterans
🔸 More adults balancing work, school, and family responsibilities

Many people who receive SNAP already work—often in jobs with low wages, unpredictable hours, or no benefits. Many are also taking classes to qualify for better-paying careers while juggling multiple jobs to support their families. SNAP bridges the gap when paychecks simply aren't enough to keep up with the cost of groceries.

Tennessee has already seen more than 100,000 people lose SNAP assistance under cuts from HR 1—out of roughly 700,000 Tennesseans who rely on the program. When people lose access to SNAP, families are forced to skip meals, food banks face greater demand, and children, older adults, and people with disabilities especially feel the impact.

There are more changes to the funding of SNAP coming down the pipeline, and Tennessee needs more time to prepare. Use your voice to encourage Congress to delay the cost shift so Tennessee can plan accordingly and deal with the current SNAP crisis in our state.

Find advocacy tools at tnjustice.org/joinus

08/17/2026

Meet Josh Hedrick, one of our 2026 Hall of Fame Honorees! 👏

Josh has had a transformative impact on TJC and its capacity to improve the lives of Tennessee families. As a Principal with and a respected leader in the financial industry, Josh has been a faithful donor and dedicated volunteer for years. He served as a member of TJC’s Board of Directors from 2020-2026, and as TJC’s Treasurer for five of those years. Josh regularly volunteered at community outreach events in order to connect directly with those TJC serves.

As treasurer, Josh brought extraordinary financial and regulatory expertise to his guidance of TJC’s financial operations. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s financial management during a period of rapid growth and increased community need. He directed improvements in TJC’s accounting system and reporting capabilities, increasing TJC’s efficiency, transparency and accountability. Those reforms enhanced TJC’s credibility with donors and funders and established a strong foundation on which to build long-term sustainability.

We're grateful for Josh's partnership with TJC in advancing our mission of healthcare access and food assistance across Tennessee. Celebrate him with us on September 10th! Purchase tickets at tnjustice.org/gala 🤍