What Cities in Louisiana Have Highest Numbers of SNAP Recipients?

SHREVEPORT, LA – Louisiana state lawmakers have been talking about a bill to change what folks can buy with SNAP benefits in Louisiana. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health.

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What Restrictions on SNAP Are Being Considered?

But some lawmakers say they should not be buying high sugar and high fat snacks with this money. The state data shows that for most households, SNAP funds account for only a portion of their food budgets; they must also use their own money to keep food on the table for the month.

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How to Get SNAP Benefits

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or participate in other public assistance programs, you may be eligible for SNAP. Households must meet income tests. All able-bodied adults, with specific exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.

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Click here to see the federal SNAP income guidelines.

How Many People in Louisiana Get SNAP?

In January of 2024 more than 858,000 people received SNAP benefits in Louisiana. This represents 422,589 households. The average monthly payment is $373 dollars. Family size determines how much a recipient will get. Before COVID pandemic, there were 770,000 on food stamps in Louisiana. The latest data from the Department of Children and Family Services shows nearly 18% of Louisiana residents get SNAP benefits.

As you can imagine, the largest cities in the state have the most SNAP recipients. KEEL News requested the most up to date numbers and found how many SNAP recipients there are in our state’s largest cities.

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