Public News Service

Cherokee Health Systems serves East Tennessee and its surrounding counties through 19 health centers,<br />telehealth services and a mobile unit. (Cherokee Health Systems)<br />

East TN health centers' community gardens: More than fresh produce

In rural Tennessee, many residents lack access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food. So, two health center systems in the state are sprouting …

As of March, Tennessee still had about 23% of its federal education funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program, which could be used to help boost achievement. The deadline to allocate the funding is Sept. 30. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book shows some improvement for TN children

Tennessee ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children, at 36th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

Every dollar spent on SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic activity. For Tennessee, that is a total expected economic impact of up to $140 million from Summer EBT benefits. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Summer EBT food program estimated to help 644,000 kids

One in eight Tennesseans who have experienced hunger is a child. The Volunteer State is tackling childhood hunger this summer by opting into the new …

Determining SNAP eligibility involves considering such factors as residency, age, relationship, citizenship, Social Security number assignment, employment, resources, income and relevant deductions. (Mikhailov Studio/Adobe Stock)

TN families hit 'income cliff' when trying to get SNAP benefits

With the next Farm Bill stalled in Congress and rising food insecurity in Tennessee, advocacy groups say there's a pressing need to address a hurdle …

In Tennessee, almost 801,000 people are facing hunger. Almost 198,000 of them are children, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Alisaaa/Adobe Stock)

Working for Better Access to Doctors, Heathy Foods in Rural TN

September is Hunger Action Month, and Tennessee groups are working to get more heart-healthy foods to people in rural communities as well as greater …

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book reports the median pay for child care workers, who typically must hold a range of credentials, was $28,520 per year or $13.71 an hour in 2022. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

'Kids Count' Data Show Some Improvement for TN Children

The annual Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E Casey Foundation ranked Tennessee 36th among the states for children's well-being. The report found …

In 2022, Save the Children reached nearly 900,000 children in the United States and distributed more than 5 million meals. (AdobeStock)

Summer Break is Broken for Many Rural Tennessee Kids

An advocacy group is expanding summer learning opportunities for families in the Volunteer State. In Tennessee and across the country, isolation and …

In Tennessee, more than 800,000 people are facing hunger, and more than 230,000 of them are children. (Africa Studio/AdobeStock)

Advocates Calling on Congress for Better Investment in Kids

Advocates for children's well-being are in Washington, D.C. today, calling on lawmakers to invest in kids. The Save the Children advocacy summit is …

Federal data released earlier this year finds more than 14% of households with children nationwide were food insecure during the height of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)">

End of Federal Waivers May Put More Rural TN Kids at Hunger Risk

Federal waivers put in place at the height of the pandemic allowed federal child nutrition programs more flexibility in delivering meals to households…

A recent report by the Hope Center calls on states to increase funding for HBCUs to help close the gap in addressing students' basic needs. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Persists at HBCUs, Despite Record Federal Funding

Tennessee's six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) collectively received more than $131 million in the past year through the America…

The Thrifty Food Program, which is used to determine SNAP benefits, has been overhauled for the first time since 1975. (Kristina Blohkin/Adobe Stock)

SNAP Food Benefits to Increase Starting Tomorrow

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Almost 848,000 people in Tennessee will see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits go up by about 21…

Research has found SNAP benefits cover 43% to 60% of what it costs to eat meals consistent with federal guidelines for what constitutes a healthy diet. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP Benefit Boost Could Help More TN Families Afford Healthy Diet

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Advocates say the USDA's recent 25% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase, slated to go into effect …

In the United States, hydroponic food production is estimated at $555 million a year, with a projected annual growth of more than 3% over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Food Groups Appeal Decision to Certify Hydroponic Crops as Organic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This week, the Center for Food Safety, along with a coalition of organic farmers and other groups, appealed a district court …

Food insecurity and child hunger have both skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Rural TN Sees Surge in Child Hunger

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Child hunger is on the rise across Tennessee, and advocates say in communities far from interstate highways, families are …

Hunters for the Hungry volunteers deliver venison and other foods to families in need. (Tennessee Wildlife Federation)

Hunters Can Donate Deer to Help Feed Families

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Hunting season is under way. And for the holidays, hunters can help families who have been economically hard-hit by the pandemic …

A new proposed rule change by the U.S. Department of Agriculture would weaken school meal nutrition standards put into place in 2012. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed USDA Rule Would Reduce Fruits, Veggies in School Cafeterias

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a proposed rule change that would allow schools to serve fewer fruits and grains…

Ground meat, leafy greens, and other foods can be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. (Microgen/Adobe Stock)

Latest on E.coli Outbreak: 26 Cases Confirmed in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The number of confirmed E. coli infections in Tennessee has grown from 21 to 26, according to the latest counts from the …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging districts to stop embarrassing and singling-out students who don't have enough money for lunch. (SpecialBlendBrands, Twenty/20)

Tennessee's Hunger-Free Students Act Faces Defeat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It's National Nutrition Month, and two pieces of proposed anti-bullying legislation have lawmakers engaged in a public war …

Experts recommend taking precautions with wiping hands that have touched raw meat on dish clothes or clothing while cooking. (Letizia Barbi/flickr)

Make Sure July 4th Stays Independent from Germs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As you prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July tomorrow, you may want to remind yourself and your family about proper hand …

According to Feeding America, one in four Tennessee children goes to bed hungry because of food insecurity. (Graham Holliday/flickr)

TN Children Could Lose if SNAP Work Requirement Passed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, more commonly …

Chipotle is one of only two national chains that earned an

Dining Out? New Tool to Know What's In Your Food

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Where do your favorite restaurant chains rank when it comes to antibiotic usage in food? A new nationwide report ranks the top 25 …

The increased access to fast food and limited availability of fresh food markets is believed to be among the causes of a high child obesity rate in Tennessee. (Jon Bunting/Flickr)

Childhood Obesity: Heavy Issue for Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Many Tennessee children are overweight, with approximately one out of every five classified as obese, according to the …

The popularity of backyard chickens is believed to be a factor in the rise in salmonella cases. (Thunder Circus/flickr)

Growth of Backyard Chickens Hatches Salmonella Outbreak

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Growing numbers of Tennesseans are raising backyard chickens, both as pets and as a healthy source of food. While there are …

More community partners are needed in Tennessee at sites willing to serve summer meals to children in need across the state. (Bunches and Bits/Flickr)

Summer is No Vacation from Hunger for Some TN Kids

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - As thousands of Tennessee children rejoice at the beginning of summer break, roughly one in four also will struggle to find enough …

Tennessee households continue to experience food insecurity at levels higher than most other parts of the country, according to a report released Wednesday by the Food Research and Action Center. (leosaumurejr/flickr.com)

Hungry for Solution: TN Ranks 13th for Food Insecurity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – More than 15 percent of Tennessee households are short on food in their pantries and refrigerators. That figure places the …

The well-being of Tennessee children is not as positive as it was a year ago, according to a report released this week by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (morguefile.com)

Report: Economy Impacting Well-Being of Tennessee Children

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - While there are some signs of a recovering economy in Tennessee, many are being left out of the uptick, and that's now being …

Beginning in July Tennessee public schools will be required to increase physical education for children up to sixth grade. (Ian Schofield/flickr.com)

TN Ramps up Physical Education in Schools

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - "Let's Get Physical." And like the song, starting in July Tennessee students in elementary schools will be doing more of just that …

Tennessee's high rate of obesity is partially attributed to its traditional Southern fried and rich foods. (gracey/morguefile.com)

Tennessee Cities Top List: "Fattest Cities in America"

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - About one in three Tennesseans is classified as obese and a report released by survey company WalletHub names four Tennessee …

New data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates slightly fewer Americans are in need of food assistance, and the agency attributes the shift to an improving economy. (melodi/morguefile.com)

Report: Improved Economy Means Fewer in Need of Food Assistance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - More than 19 percent of Tennesseans receive government food assistance, but a report released by the United States Department of …

Cage-free poultry farms are growing in Tennessee and the rest of the country, because of major retailers such as Kroger announcing they will limit their egg sales to cage-free production. (CowgirlJules/flickr.com)

Major TN Grocer Will Sell Only Cage-Free Eggs by 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Animal rights groups are calling it "egg-cellent" news. Kroger – with at least 50 locations in Tennessee – is …

Increased breastfeeding could save 820,000 lives, according to research published in the journal, The Lancet. (maja/flickr.com)

Report: Breastfeeding Saves Lives

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Increased breastfeeding could save the lives of Tennessee mothers and babies. A new report published in the medical journal…

There is a bi-partisan bill expected to be introduced to the full U.S. Senate that would offer improvements to school lunches and breakfasts. (anitapeppers/morguefile.com)

Federal Bill Offers Improvement for TN School Lunches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Washington is closed for business this week as the nation's capital digs out from a record-setting snowstorm. But before lawmakers …

Experts say successful New Year's resolutions mean working to create long-term, healthy habits instead of making short-term, drastic changes. (Pippalou/morguefile)

Resolve to Make New Habits, Not Lose Bad Ones

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Losing weight is the number one New Year's resolution, according to the Statistic Brain Research Institute. But it's estimated …

The American Heart Association of Greater Nashville is encouraging people to eat and tweet their healthy meals today, on National Eating Healthy Day at #NashEatHealthy. Courtesy: Pixabay

Picture This: National Eating Healthy Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Before you pick up your fork today, the American Heart Association of Greater Nashville wants you to pick up your camera or …

Processed foods such as candy can trigger opiate receptors in brains, which could explain why once you start eating a handful of candy or chips, it's hard to stop. Credit: rosevita/morguefile.com

Hard to Swallow: Processed Foods Linked to Addiction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - While many of us still are digesting the news from the World Health Organization that the comfort and convenience foods of bacon …

A Mercy for Animals investigation found chickens at a Dukedom, Tennessee, farm were bred to grow so quickly they became crippled under their own weight. Credit: Mercy for Animals.

Chicken Farm Loses Contract After Abuse Uncovered

DUKEDOM, Tenn. – A Tennessee chicken farm has lost its contract to provide chickens for McDonald's through Tyson Foods, after the chicken …

A new study published in Circulation, an American Heart Association journal, finds that a regular diet of Southern foods can increase your risk of heart disease by 56 percent. Credit: American Heart Association

Bless Your Heart: Southern Diet Weighs Heavily on TN Health

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The long-term health impact of consuming fried chicken, sweet tea and other traditional Southern comfort foods can increase your …

Photo: Not all Tennessee farmers agree on whether President Barack Obama should be given fast track authority on trade agreements. Photo credit: cmsturgeon/morguefile.com

Farm Groups Debate on Fast Track Trade Authority

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Not all farm groups are in agreement on whether President Barack Obama should be given fast track negotiating authority on …

PHOTO: Some Tennessee organizations, restaurants and educational institutions are working to increase access to healthier foods and programs in an effort to end childhood obesity. Photo credit: Sam Billings/Flickr.

Reducing Tennessee's Obesity Rate: Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee has the fourth-highest adult obesity rate in the country. While experts acknowledge accessing nutritious foods is a …

PHOTO: In the wake of a new campaign from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, McDonald's is being urged to stop using meat that's been raised with antibiotics. Photo credit: Elliot/Flickr.

Consumer Group Asks McDonald's to Hold the Antibiotics

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A new campaign has been launched urging the largest restaurant chain in the nation to stop purchasing meat that's been raised with …

PHOTO: A new study that discounts the health implications of eating too much salt is leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of many in the medical world. Photo credit: Karyn Christner/Flickr.

New Study on Sodium and Health Called Problematic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Concerns are being raised by a number of health organizations and physicians over new research that downplays the link …

PHOTO: A total of $55,000 is being distributed today to the five food banks in the state thanks to a project by AARP Tennessee and Walgreens. Photo credit: Billy Brown/Flickr.

A Big Boost Today for Tennessee's Fight Against Hunger

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The holidays are a time of giving, and one gift being presented today will help the many Tennesseans who struggle to put meals on …

FOTO: Un total de 55 mil d�lares se distribuye hoy (viernes) a los cinco bancos de alimentos que hay en el estado, gracias a un proyecto de la AARP Tennessee y Walgreens. Cr�dito de la foto: Billy Brown/Flickr.

Hoy recibe un gran impulso la lucha contra el hambre en Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Un total de 55 mil dólares se van este viernes a cinco bancos de alimentos de Tennessee. Los fondos fueron donados por …

FOTO: Se estima que Barry Coggins, ganador del Premio Andrus 2014, ha entregado unas 10,000 comidas en sus m�s de veinte a�os de voluntariado con al programa

El Año de Barry: Homenajes por sus 20 años de voluntariado en Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – El más alto honor que otorga la AARP cada año por trabajo de voluntariado, fue ganado este año por el …

PHOTO: It's estimated about 17 percent of kids in the U.S. eat too much sodium, which can be a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Photo credit: Joe King/Flickr

Tip for a Healthier Tennessee: Skip the Salt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The election season had Tennessee voters taking it all in "with a grain of salt," but with the coming holidays they're being …

PHOTO: Some simple changes in packing a school lunch can prevent tons of trash from ending up in Tennessee landfills. Photo credit: www.anotherlunch.com/Flickr.

Avoiding the "Trashy Four" When Packing School Lunches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Students across the state returning to school this month, forming friendships and making the team, but also generating a massive …

PHOTO: According to the Center for Rural Affairs, rural areas have higher percentages of households receiving SNAP benefits than urban areas or small cities. Photo credit: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr.

Study Finds Greater Rural Reliance on Food Stamps

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Oftentimes, the issue of hunger is associated with people in inner cities, where the cost of living tends to be high…

PHOTO: Tennessee saw a tiny decline in students participating in summer nutrition programs from 2012 to 2013, while nationally there was an increase of nearly six percent. Photo credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For Many Tennessee Kids, Hunger Doesn't Take Summer Vacation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For thousands of low-income families in Tennessee, summer vacation is a time of increased hunger, as children don't have their …

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TN: Hunger/Food/Nutrition