SNAP, local food banks help food assistance recipients after power outages

SNAP recipients can apply for reimbursement if food is lost due to prolonged power outages.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:04am

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Power has been restored for thousands of Mid-Southerners who were in the dark during strong storms on Sunday, March 15. With power restored, some families are in recovery mode, replacing any food they lost during the long hours of the power outage. There are options available to families in need, including food banks and SNAP reimbursement.

Why it matters

Prolonged power outages often create hardships related to food spoiling for residents battling food insecurity. SNAP recipients and others served by local food banks can access resources to replace lost food and get back on their feet.

The details

SNAP recipients can apply for replacement assistance if food was lost during a power outage lasting 12 hours or more. Households must submit a signed affidavit within 10 days of losing the food through the state's One DHS Customer Portal, by mail, fax, drop box, or at a local family assistance office. Local food banks like the Mid-South Food Bank also provide mobile pantries to serve those in need.

  • The power outages occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • SNAP recipients have 10 days to submit a signed affidavit to request replacement assistance.

The players

Mid-South Food Bank

A local food bank that provides mobile pantries and other resources to serve families in need during power outages and other emergencies.

Tennessee Department of Human Services

The state agency that administers the SNAP program and provides replacement assistance to eligible households who lost food due to prolonged power outages.

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What they’re saying

“I understand that SNAP will reimburse you, but sometimes you need the extra pad until SNAP reimburses you right.”

— Nicole Johnson-Willis, Communications and Volunteer Services Manager, Mid-South Food Bank

“A lot of times it takes a couple of days for you to get your bearings so you can know exactly what you missed out on [and] sort through what is good and what [has gone] bad.”

— Nicole Johnson-Willis, Communications and Volunteer Services Manager, Mid-South Food Bank

What’s next

The Tennessee Department of Human Services does not specify how long it could take to process and replace the SNAP benefits lost due to the power outages.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of having a safety net for low-income families who rely on SNAP and local food banks, especially during emergencies like prolonged power outages that can disrupt access to food. The collaboration between SNAP, food banks, and the community is crucial to ensure no one goes hungry during these difficult times.