The Louisiana Food Stamp Program provides nutritional assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is federally funded and administered by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Benefits are distributed electronically through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided additional funding for the Food Stamp Program. This funding has allowed Louisiana to provide Emergency Allotments (EAs) to all eligible households. EAs are a temporary increase in food stamp benefits that are intended to help families meet their food needs during the pandemic.
Louisiana Food Stamp Program Overview
The Louisiana Food Stamp Program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
To be eligible for the Louisiana Food Stamp Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
- Have a Social Security number
- Meet income and asset limits
- Live in Louisiana
To apply for the Louisiana Food Stamp Program, you can:
- Apply online at the DCFS website
- Apply by phone at 1-888-342-4243
- Apply in person at your local DCFS office
Emergency Allotments (EAs) for Louisiana
Emergency Allotments (EAs) are temporary increases in food stamp benefits provided during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. In Louisiana, EAs supplement the regular monthly food stamp benefits for eligible households.The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) determines EA eligibility based on factors such as income, household size, and whether the household includes children or elderly/disabled members.
EAs are distributed monthly to eligible households, typically through the Louisiana Purchase Card (LPC).
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The WIC program in Louisiana provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to eligible women, infants, and children. To qualify, applicants must meet income and nutritional risk criteria.WIC benefits differ from food stamps in that they are specific to nutritional needs during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood.
They include:
- Food vouchers for healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and infant formula
- Nutrition counseling and education
- Breastfeeding support and supplies
To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC agency or visit the Louisiana WIC website.
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) for Lousiana
Eligibility Requirements
P-EBT is available to children and teenagers under 19 who are:
Enrolled in the National School
Lunch Program (NSLP)
Attending a Community
Eligibility Provisions (CEP) school
Enrolled in a Head Start or
Early Head Start program
Homeless, migrant, or foster
children
Attending a private school
and meet income eligibility requirements
Benefits Amounts
P-EBT benefits are issued per child, per school year. The amount of benefits a child receives depends on the number of days they were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the school year.
How P-EBT Benefits are Distributed
P-EBT benefits are distributed through the state’s EBT system. Households that are already receiving SNAP benefits will have their P-EBT benefits added to their SNAP EBT card. Households that are not receiving SNAP benefits will be issued a separate P-EBT card.
How P-EBT Benefits differ from regular food stamps
P-EBT benefits are similar to regular food stamps in that they can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.
- P-EBT benefits are only available to children and teenagers under 19.
- P-EBT benefits are not based on household income.
- P-EBT benefits are not subject to the same work requirements as regular food stamps.
Contact Information for Louisiana Food Stamp Program
introFor inquiries related to the Louisiana Food Stamp Program, you can contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which is responsible for administering the program.
Contact Information
- Phone Number: 1-888-524-3578
- Website: https://www.dcfs.la.gov/page/food-assistance
- Email: [email protected]
Last Word
The Louisiana Food Stamp Program is a vital resource for low-income individuals and families. The program provides much-needed nutritional assistance to those who are struggling to make ends meet. The Emergency Allotments that have been provided during the COVID-19 pandemic have been a lifeline for many families, and they have helped to ensure that everyone has access to the food they need.
FAQ
Who is eligible for food stamps in Louisiana?
To be eligible for food stamps in Louisiana, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have a Social Security number
- Meet income and asset limits
How do I apply for food stamps in Louisiana?
You can apply for food stamps in Louisiana online, by phone, or in person. To apply online, visit the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website. To apply by phone, call the DCFS Food Stamp hotline at 1-888-344-4402. To apply in person, visit your local DCFS office.
How much will I get in food stamps?
The amount of food stamps you receive will depend on your household size and income. The maximum monthly benefit for a household of one person is $250. The maximum monthly benefit for a household of four people is $835.
What can I buy with food stamps?
You can use food stamps to buy most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. You can also use food stamps to buy seeds and plants that produce food.
