Louisiana SNAP Benefits Face Disruption Amid Federal Shutdown

SNAP recipients in Louisiana could be facing a loss of benefits in less than 2 weeks. Governor Jeff Landry is warning all Louisiana residents who receive SNAP welfare benefits that they will not receive new funds starting November 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C.

The governor’s office says any remaining benefits from previous months will still be available for use, but no new funds will be added until the shutdown is resolved. Residents will be able to get the latest updates by clicking here.

More Than 16% of Louisiana Residents Receive SNAP

Hundreds of thousands of Louisiana families rely on SNAP assistance every month. A recent update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that more than 16% of Louisiana’s population gets SNAP benefits. The Bayou State has one of the highest participation rates in the country.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), which oversees the SNAP program, will begin notifying recipients this week that November benefits will not be added to their cards unless this stalemate in Congress ends. LDH is also sending official notices to retailers to post in stores informing customers that new funds will be unavailable starting November 1.

Governor Landry Blames Federal Gridlock for Funding Halt

Governor Landry says the state’s hands are tied because SNAP is a federally funded program administered by Louisiana.

“The U.S. Senate is failing to open the federal government in Washington, D.C. SNAP benefits are paid for by the federal government, and we simply administer the program here in Louisiana. Without the funds, we cannot provide the benefits,” said Governor Landry.

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“The U.S. House under Speaker Mike Johnson has already acted to re-open the government. Our U.S. Senators representing Louisiana have voted over and over again to re-open the government. They are doing their part. Now it is time for those U.S. Senators, under Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to vote yes and re-open the federal government. Louisianans concerned about the lack of funds for this program—or any impacted federal service—should call on Chuck Schumer to re-open the federal government now.”

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LDH Urges Recipients to Plan Ahead

LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein says the department is working to ensure that recipients and retailers are prepared for the pause in benefits.

“All Louisiana SNAP recipients should be aware that there will be no new benefits added to their cards starting November 1 unless the federal government in Washington, D.C. reopens,” Greenstein said. “We will do all we can to ensure SNAP recipients are aware of this and that retailers are prepared as well.”