Federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits in Louisiana

Agriculture secretary warns food stamp funding could dry up within two weeks as state faces deep food insecurity

The ongoing federal government shutdown is putting Louisiana’s food assistance network at severe risk, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture warning that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could run out of funds within two weeks if Congress does not reach a spending deal.

More than 800,000 Louisianans rely on SNAP benefits to buy groceries each month, according to state data. With nearly one in five residents dependent on the program — far above the national average — Louisiana is among the most vulnerable states if benefits are disrupted.

USDA: Funding “Rapidly Running Out”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the USDA is “rapidly running out of resources” to sustain the nation’s food-stamp program during the shutdown.

Without congressional action, states may be unable to issue full benefits by early November.

“We’re already third-highest in the nation for food insecurity, and this will only make it worse,”
said Mike Manning, president of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
“We’re seeing more grandparents raising grandchildren, and many of those families depend entirely on these benefits.”

Rural Parishes Could Be Hit Hardest

In rural areas such as Avoyelles Parish, where grocery options are limited and food prices remain high, local food banks expect demand to surge overnight if payments are reduced or delayed.

Churches and nonprofit groups are preparing emergency distribution plans in case federal dollars stop flowing.

Across Louisiana, food banks report a steady increase in requests for assistance since the shutdown began — and are bracing for a statewide food crisis if the political stalemate continues.

What Families Need to Know

For now, SNAP recipients are urged to:

• Monitor EBT accounts closely
• Watch for announcements from Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services
• Budget cautiously in case benefits are prorated or paused

State officials emphasize that no benefits have been cut yet, but warn that the situation may change rapidly.

If the shutdown extends into November, the USDA says states may be forced to delay or reduce benefits, leaving many families struggling to afford basic groceries.

Local Impact: Avoyelles Parish

More than 6,000 local residents depend on SNAP each month in Avoyelles Parish — representing approximately $1.2 million in grocery spending that supports local stores and the parish economy.

Any interruption would be felt immediately by both households and businesses.

What’s Next

Federal agencies continue to urge Congress to pass a funding bill. Until then, Louisiana food providers — and the families they serve — remain in limbo.

As the shutdown persists, faith-based groups, community organizations, and food banks may become the only safety net many families have left.