After 'three months of savings,' Tennessee's grocery tax holiday is ending. Are you ready?
Tennessee's grocery tax holiday is scheduled to end Wednesday after a three-month run and that could mean higher food bills for some families.
Once taxes are factored back in, grocery bills will increase by as much as 6.75%. How much money that means per bill will vary based on how much is spent, but the average U.S. household spends about $438 per month on food at home, according to 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Using that data, an average bill would rise by about $30 per month.
"This tax-free holiday helped our neighbors in need maximize their spending at a time when cost of living is at an all-time high. Understandably, those who welcomed financial relief at the cash-register over the last three months may now be in need of additional assistance," said Nancy Keil, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. The nonprofit distributes food to almost 420 partner agencies in 46 counties.
"Second Harvest is here for our neighbors facing hunger, and we remain committed to providing access to healthy and nutritious foods for anyone in need of additional support. We hope the community will support our efforts this holiday season by making non-perishable food donations or providing a monetary gift."
Tennessee's grocery tax holiday was billed by lawmakers as the single largest tax cut in state history, with residents expected to save an estimated $273 million.
It made food and food ingredients exempt from state sales tax for three months beginning Aug. 1 and was made possible after state legislators passed the Tennessee Works Tax Act earlier this year.
“In Tennessee, we cut taxes any chance we get because families should keep more of their own hard-earned dollars,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a press release announcing the program. “I thank the General Assembly for partnering to deliver three months of savings for Tennessee taxpayers.”
As the holiday comes to a close, some families may be considering bulk options, but it's important to remember that not all groceries fall under the tax suspension. Prepared foods, dietary supplements, candy, alcoholic beverages and tobacco are still taxed, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
If you or someone you know needs food or other assistance, there are several local organizations that can help. Here are a few to contact around Middle Tennessee:
Dickson County Help Center
The Dickson County Help Center, 103 W. College St. in Dickson, serves all county residents by offering food, clothing, prescribed medication, temporary shelter and limited financial assistance on an emergency basis.
Almost 4,000 people received food assistance from the organization in 2020, according to its community impact data. A contactless food pantry, mobile food pantry and holiday food distribution are some of the ways residents receive food assistance. The help center also provides financial counseling, aid and affordable shopping at its thrift store.
The food bank and assistance programs are available from 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday. The thrift store is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Extended hours are offered from 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays during half off day, according to the center's website.
Highland Rim Economic Corporation
Residents of Dickson, Houston, Humphreys and Stewart Counties can receive various resources, including energy assistance, USDA commodities, head start and community service block grants, from the Highland Rim Economic Corporation, 213 College Street, PO box 208 in Erin.
USDA foods are delivered quarterly to eligible households via locations in each county. Residents should check online, at highlandrim.org, for specific locations and times.
For more information, call the corporation at 931-289-4101.
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency has worked to improve the lives of low-income families, children and individuals for more than 50 years, according to its website. Though based in Mt. Juliet, at 3735 North Mount Juliet Rd, various services are offered in Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson and Wilson Counties.
More than 15,000 households received services in 2021-2022, with 2,200 of those receiving nutrition-based services through the emergency food assistance program, USDA commodities, food distributions and nutrition classes, according to the organization’s community impact data. Nearly 9,000 food boxes were provided.
Assistance is also available through the organization’s other programs, which include utility assistance and weatherization, among other things.
Learn more at midcumberland.org.
24 Church
A food pantry serves community members at the 24 Church campus, at 1502 Substation Rd in Pleasant View. Food is also given away once or twice a year via The Big Food Truck, a semi's worth of groceries provided by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
For more information about available programs, visit 24church.com/how-we-serve.
Bethesda Center
Located at 124 S Main St. in Ashland City, the Bethesda Center serves as the primary food bank for northern Cheatham County. It is stocked by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and other private donors. There is also a thrift store, where customers can shop discounted prices on home goods, clothing and more.
The thrift store is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. For food assistance, call 615-792-1389.
The Ark Community Resource Center
Families living in southern Cheatham County can request aid from of The Ark Community Resource Center. Founded in 2001, The Ark offers a weekly food pantry from noon-4 p.m. on Mondays, Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors and a Summer FUEL program for kids. Other services include utility assistance, an annual August school supply giveaway, Christmas Angel Tree Program and the Noah’s Closet resale shop, where customers can purchase clothing, housewares and more, at 710 US-70 in Pegram.
Noah’s Closet is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and closed on Mondays and major holidays. The food pantry is also closed on major holidays as well as the fifth Monday of each month.
To sign up for the food pantry or learn about other programs, visit the resource center in Pegram between noon-4 p.m. on Tuesdays or contact Michael Turpin at 615-457-1931 or mturpin.ark@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. Visit arkstayafloat.com for more information.
Joelton Hope Center & Thrift Store
The Joelton Hope Center & Thrift Store supports a local food pantry at 212 Gifford Place in Joelton. Food assistance is provided to residents living within the following zip codes: 37080, 37146 and 37189.
The thrift store is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday-Friday. Food box distribution is by appointment only from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Call 615-876-1778, email joeltonhopecenter@comcast.net or visit facebook.com/joeltonhopecenter/ to ask about food assistance or schedule a food box distribution appointment.
United Ministries Food Bank of Robertson County
Established in 1995, United Ministries Food Bank of Robertson County provides families with basic food supplies to supplement their monthly food purchases in emergency situations at 808 S Main St in Springfield.
The food bank is open from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 615- 384-8306, email sherrymartell10@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/UnitedMinistriesFoodBank/.
Hope Center
White House residents experiencing an emergency can receive food assistance through the Hope Center Food Bank, at 212 Portland Rd in White House. Residents can also shop for discounted items at the Hope Center Thrift Store, at 1115 TN-76, just a few minutes away.
The food bank is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Call 615-672-8006 for more information.
Portland Pay It Forward
Portland Pay It Forward strives to lessen food insecurity by providing more than 350 meals to families once every two weeks. Families may also receive a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner as well as hygiene products, baby and elder care supplies and more.
Portland Pay It Forward is open by appointment only on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday.
For assistance, call or text 615-812-3059 or visit portlandpayitforward.org.
Hands of Hope
A network of volunteers and partners are committed to feeding the community and supplying essentials like hygiene products and other items at Hands of Hope. Community members can access food items through the organization’s food pantry and Sharing Box — installed outside the food pantry — at 101C South Russell St. in Portland.
The Sharing Box includes hygiene products, food and other small-scale essentials available for access any time. The food pantry is open from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Contact Director Karen Cole at 615-448-5742 or HandsOfHopeKarenCole@gmail.com for assistance.
Feed Sumner Food Bank & Ministry
Feed Sumner offers food assistance and other services to more than 300 families every month at 1121 Gregory Dr. in Gallatin.
Feed Sumner food distribution takes place from 8-11 a.m. on the second Saturday each month, according to the website. Those looking for more information can call (615) 348-4470 or visit feedsumner.org.
A resource guide created by the Sumner Prevention Coalition can be found online at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55f086f4e4b083dafc8a4f4c/t/6438279cdacadc29804dbbbf/1681401757333/Resource+Manual+2022+-+PRINT.pdf and includes resources for children's services and child care, counseling, crisis, fundamental needs like food, clothing and housing, health, legal and more.
Gallatin Cares
Supplemental groceries are supplied to more than 700 families each month by Gallatin Cares. About 1,500 people receive food every week at 330 North Durham Ave in Gallatin, according to food pantry data. Food quantities are proportionate to family size and dietary needs are accommodated when possible.
A thrift store is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday for shopping and the food pantry is open from 8-11 a.m. each Wednesday.
To learn more, visit gallatincares.org or call 615-452-5732.
Goodlettsville Help Center
Emergency food assistance is given to eligible Goodlettsville and Millersville residents through the Goodlettsville Help Center, 108 Depot St. in Goodlettsville. Qualifying residents may register for a Thanksgiving meal food box and other services, such as financial assistance and a chance to “shop” at the center’s annual Christmas Toy Store.
Financial assistance may be available for eligible residents on past-due utility bills, medical and optical prescriptions and transportation costs.
Treasure Hunters thrift store is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Food pantry assistance is available from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Goodlettsville Help Center client assistance is available from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Contact Executive Director Jeff Cordell at jeff@goodlett.comcastbiz.net or 615-859-4706 for info.
Hendersonville Samaritan Association
Needy residents can receive food from the Hendersonville Samaritan Food Bank, 116 Dunn St., and other services like assistance with utility bills, rent and house payments, prescription costs and clothing and furniture from the Hendersonville Samaritan Thrift Store.
Free community meals are offered from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Community Church of Hendersonville, 381 W Main Street.
Food and other assistance is available to families and individuals from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday. For more information, call 615-824-7105, ext. 2, or email hsatn@comcast.net.
The thrift store is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. Visit tnhsa.org or email hsathriftstore@gmail.com to learn more.
Westmoreland Food Bank
Food assistance is given to families and individuals twice per month via curbside food distribution by Westmoreland Food Bank volunteers at 1037 Park St. in Westmoreland.
Food distribution takes place from 10 a.m.-noon on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. For more information, call 615-417-9484 or email Velma32934@yahoo.com.
If a food bank or program near you wasn't listed in this story, check the Second Harvest Food Bank's find food tool online for assistance.
Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee grocery tax holiday at an end. These local orgs want to help
