Written By Lexx Thornton
Gov. Jeff Landry signed an emergency order Friday to extend food assistance benefits through November for Louisiana’s most vulnerable residents — including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.Â
The declaration ensures that these groups continue receiving aid while other Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients face uncertainty about their benefits.Â
“Since the Legislature is already in special session, the governor went ahead and declared a state of emergency, which is within his powers as governor,” said Robert Collins, a political analyst at Dillard University.Â
Benefits for all other SNAP participants are set to lapse on Nov. 1 if the federal shutdown continues. Collins noted that the impact could be widespread. “Even though those people might not be elderly, children, or disabled, they may still have family members depending on those SNAP benefits, and they themselves may be living below the poverty line,” he said.Â
Many Louisiana families described the program as essential, particularly amid economic uncertainty. “This is going to be the end of government assistance for people that truly need it,” one resident said. “When it goes away, there’s going to be turmoil for people who can’t afford food or find work. The economy’s so bad right now.”Â
Another resident, Myrna Nolan, said her family relies heavily on the assistance. “My children work hard to take care of their kids — and now their grandchildren too,” she said. “Without the food stamps, there’s going to be very little hot plates on the table.”Â
Food banks across the state are preparing for an increase in demand as families brace for potential benefit cuts.Â
Collins added that Gov. Landry may need legislative approval to extend the aid if the shutdown lasts beyond November. According to the governor’s office, the emergency funding will be drawn from the state’s reserve funds.Â
