Louisiana SNAP benefits at risk due to government shutdown

LOUISIANA – According to a release sent out by his office, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is warning SNAP cardholders that they will not receive new benefits beginning November first unless the government shutdown ends before then.

“We’re getting ready to have to shut off SNAP benefits on November 1st to recipients in Louisiana, and that’s a pretty serious issue,” Landry says.

The Development Director for the Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana, Julie Allen, says that losing SNAP for even a short amount of time can be severely detrimental.

“Just last month alone, we served 91 families. We still want to make sure that those families are not going to suffer, and I can only imagine the amount that is going to multiply if SNAP goes out,” Allen says.

Allen also says she’ll need the community’s support to provide food items if the government shutdown doesn’t end soon. If SNAP benefits disappear, kids especially will suffer greatly.

“Our kids are our future. They rely on food for brainpower. They rely on their bellies being full so that way they can advance and graduate. They can go to college and be a success. We need them to be full,” Allen says.

To donate any items, please visit The Salvation Army of Northwest Louisiana on Stoner Avenue during their business hours.