Visiting the zoo, a museum or participating in other enrichment activities can be cost prohibitive for families with low incomes. However, Tennessee families enrolled in public assistance programs like SNAP, Families First, WIC, and TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid Program) can find special offers and reduced prices to stretch their dollars. Some programs require that participants be enrolled in one of these programs to receive these special offers but being income eligible can be enough to qualify.
Museums and Zoos
“Museums For All” allows SNAP participants to visit more than 1,300 museums throughout the United States for free or reduced admission simply by presenting their SNAP EBT card! There are 15 affiliated locations across Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Nashville which include zoos, museums, cultural institutions, heritage sites, and more! Find a place near you at museums4all.org.
Gardening Support
Families who receive SNAP can use their benefits to purchase certain gardening supplies at authorized retailers. This initiative is designed to help SNAP recipients grow their own food, promoting access to fresh produce and a healthy diet. SNAP dollars can be spent on food-producing seeds and plants for starting a garden. Learn more HERE.
Double Bucks Programs
Many Farmers’ Markets across Tennessee offer financial incentive for using SNAP dollars to purchase fresh, locally sourced produce. These programs, often called "Double Bucks," or "Green Bucks," allow SNAP recipients to get twice as much food for the same price! Contact your local Farmers’ Market to see if they participate. Find yours HERE!
Entertainment and Shopping
Some retail and entertainment companies offer discounts for SNAP participants; for instance, Amazon Prime offers a 50% discount for people who can provide proof of participation in a qualifying public assistance program.
Utility Assistance Programs
Some local, state, and regional utility companies participate in a program called Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps with heating and cooling costs. Participants in SNAP, WIC, TANF, and/or Medicaid will qualify for participating programs. Contact your provider to learn more. Learn more HERE.
Public Libraries
Libraries are wonderful places to access books, the internet, children's programs, job search assistance, and other resources, such as seeds for gardening and tools for handiwork. Many libraries offer special programs for low-income families, and librarians are highly trained professionals who can answer many questions. Additionally, some libraries operate “seed libraries” that provide seeds for gardening. Ask your local library for more information!
Fitness and Wellness
Some fitness-focused organizations— namely the YMCA and Small World Yoga offer sliding scale membership fees based on income, or even free/reduced cost classes. SNAP, WIC, Families First, and TennCare recipients can benefit from the reduced-price access to fitness and wellness programs and equipment. Contact your local fitness center to see if they participate.
Phone and Internet Services
While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has expired, which offered free phone and internet to SNAP participants, many large communications providers still offer reduced-price incentives for these customers. Reach out to your local provider to see if they participate. Additionally, the Lifeline program offers federally subsidized low-cost phones for some people.
School Meals
Students in Tennessee who participate in SNAP, Families First, or TennCare and attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP, also known as free or reduced-price school meals) will be directly certified to receive free meals at school. This happens automatically with no extra steps for participants!
Recreation Centers and Programs
Various city and county recreation departments across Tennessee offer reduced fees for programs and memberships to individuals receiving public assistance like SNAP; for example, the Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Department offers discounted fees for community center memberships and classes. Contact your local Parks and Recreation agency to see what's available.
Cross-Compatibility with Other Programs
Often, being eligible for one program will help determine eligibility for other programs. For instance, if a family is on SNAP, Families First, or TennCare, they are automatically income-eligible for WIC, reducing the burden on them to provide paperwork, etc. A local agency can provide information about any opportunities for cross-compatible eligibility. Contact TJC for assistance by calling 615-255-0331 or clicking HERE.
Community Health Agencies
Many community health agencies and nonprofits that serve low-income families will offer discounts and sliding scale pricing for families that meet certain income thresholds. Some examples of this are Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville and Church Health Center in Memphis. Local agencies can provide more information about their specific policies.
If you know of additional resources, contact us at nutrition@tnjustice.org so we can continue expanding this list.