Louisiana SNAP recipients can get bonus benefits for buying fruits, vegetables
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Six parishes in Louisiana were chosen to be part of a USDA-funded pilot project aimed at encouraging SNAP recipients to make healthy food choices.
The Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services said Louisiana is one of three states selected to be a part of the pilot that is part of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service's Electronic Healthy Incentives Project. The pilot started April 14 and is expected to take place for six to nine months.
Participating parishes:
Ascension
LaSalle
Sabine
Tangipahoa
Webster
West Carroll
SNAP recipients will get a 30-cent produce bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Walmarts. The agency said SNAP recipients could get $25 per month in benefits during the pilot. No sign-up is required to take part in this pilot.
'This innovative pilot project is not just providing financial assistance—it's about investing in the long-term health and well-being of Louisiana families,' said Sammy Guillory, assistant secretary of family support at DCFS. 'We expect this project will make a real difference in helping families stretch their food budgets while making nutritious choices.'
DCFS said, 'Although SNAP shoppers can only receive the produce bonus when they buy fresh fruits and vegetables at one of the 13 participating stores, these bonus benefits can be used to buy any SNAP-eligible groceries at any retailer that accepts EBT.' The bonus benefits are added to EBT cards at store checkout.
Recipients are encouraged to check with the Walmart locations in their parish to determine whether they are taking part in the pilot.
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