Louisiana SNAP Benefits: Potential Limits on Soda, Snacks, Desserts

SHREVEPORT, LA - We might see some major changes coming to the SNAP program across the country. A measure has been proposed in the Senate to put more restrictions on what consumers can buy with SNAP cards.

Of all the states in the country, Louisiana ranks at #2 for people on SNAP benefits. The Yahoo Finance report shows 18.58% or 850,023 Louisiana residents received SNAP. One of the reasons Louisiana is near the top of the list is because the average household income in the state is almost $20,000 less than the national average.

Top 5 States Getting SNAP Benefits:

5. Nevada
Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 15.72%
Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 502,149

4. Oklahoma
Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 16.73%
Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 678,335

3. Oregon
Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 17.67%
Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 748,069

2. Louisiana
Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 18.58%
Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 850,023

1. New Mexico
Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 19.48%
Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 411,962

Kentucky Republican Rand Paul is proposing a measure to put restrictions in place. The Nutritious SNAP Act of 2025 would limit what recipients can buy.

What Items Would Be Restricted Under This Plan?

- Prevent SNAP benefits from being used to buy sodas, snack foods, and desserts.

- Will only allow cow's milk, water and 100% fruit or vegetable juice to be purchased

- States could add other items to the list of so-called "unhealthy foods"

Governor Jeff Landry is also asking for a federal waiver to prohibit the purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits. He wants to put this restriction in place immediately.