Gov. Jeff Landry: No new SNAP benefits for Louisiana until federal government shutdown ends

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry warns Louisiana SNAP recipients that no new funds will be added to their cards starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Current SNAP balances from previous months will still be available for use.

Landry said hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana receive SNAP welfare benefits. The USDA reports that more than 16% of the state’s population receives SNAP benefits. 

“The U.S. Senate is failing to open the federal government,” Landry said. “SNAP benefits are paid for by the federal government, and without those funds, we cannot provide the benefits.”

The governor’s office announced that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) will notify SNAP recipients this week. November benefits will be delayed until the federal government reopens.

LDH is sending notices to retailers to alert customers that no new SNAP funds will be available.

“We will do all we can to ensure SNAP recipients are aware of this and that retailers are prepared as well. Updated information will be provided on the state’s new dcshutdown.la.gov website as soon as it is available,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein.

“Our U.S. Senators representing Louisiana have voted over and over again to reopen 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 reopen the federal government. Louisianans concerned about the lack of funds for this program, or any impacted federal service, should call on Chuck Schumer to reopen the federal government now,” said Landry.

Latest News