KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Families across Tennessee are waiting for SNAP benefit renewals as the program remains frozen, prompting local businesses and food banks to provide emergency assistance.

Governor Bill Lee announced $5 million will go to food banks across the state during the freeze. $850,000 of that funding is going to Second Harvest of East Tennessee.

CEO Elaine Streno said the organization has 700 partners in 18 counties and buys food for them.

“The reason this money is so substantial is because we buy tractor trailer loads. So when we buy a tractor trailer load of peanut butter, which for whatever cost it is, and it’s not cheap, it goes very far to our partners to feed the needy,” Streno said.

Streno said she hopes the money can last, but the need for food is growing as the

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