NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Human Services announced Monday it will provide money to families in need through its Summer Nutrition Initiative starting June 13.

The one-time $120 payment will be available to families in 15 counties across the state. The families must be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Families First Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. 

Benton, Carroll, Carter, Cocke, Fayette, Grainger, Houston, Humphreys, Johnson, Lauderdale, Marshall, Moore, Rhea, Sequatchie, and Sumner counties were identified through Summer Food Service Program data as having limited access to Summer Food Service Program meal sites, qualifying those living there for the one-time payment. The money will be available for children ages 5-18.

“The Summer Nutrition Initiative marks another step in the department’s work to strengthen food security for Tennessee children,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter in a press release. “Our fiscally sound strategy will serve families by providing additional nutritional benefits to those who need it most during the summer months.”

Eligible households do not need to apply for anything. TDHS said the payments will be loaded onto existing EBT starting June 13.