Human Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to apply, no later than January 1, 2027, for federal grants and other federal funds available to the state through the federal summer electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for children program for the purpose of providing nutrition assistance through EBT during the summer months for each eligible child. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 71.

SB 1853 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to apply for federal summer food benefits by January 1, 2027. The bill mandates applying for the federal Summer EBT program to provide nutrition assistance via electronic benefit cards during summer months for eligible children who rely on school meals. This directly affects low-income children in Tennessee who would otherwise lose access to meals when school is not in session. The key provision is the deadline-driven application for existing federal funding, amending Tennessee Code Titles 49 and 71 to implement this requirement.