NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee is providing $5 million in emergency funding to food banks as the government shutdown continues to block federal food assistance for low-income families across the state.

The funding comes from TennCare reserve funds and will go to Second Harvest Food Bank, which will distribute the money to food banks statewide based on the number of SNAP recipients in each community.

"It's an initial response to an immediate need," Gov. Bill Lee said.

The emergency measure comes as food pantries report overwhelming demand. The Well's food pantry in Spring Hill served as many families in one hour as they typically see in an entire day.

"It's hard to see hungry families, senior citizens who have no other alternatives except to wait in the long line at a food pantry,"

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