Emergency Declaration Issued to Protect SNAP Benefits in Louisiana
Keeping SNAP Benefits Flowing During the Federal Shutdown
Monday, October 27, 2025
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge
Last week, Governor Jeff Landry issued an Emergency Declaration for Louisiana to help protect access to SNAP food assistance for some of our state’s most vulnerable residents — including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and children.
This action was taken as part of the Governor’s responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of the people of Louisiana in times of disaster or emergency. Under the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act (La. R.S. 29:721, et seq.), the Governor has the authority to declare a state of emergency when events — whether natural or man-made — threaten loss of life, injury, or severe impact to daily living.
Why this emergency declaration matters
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) experienced a lapse in federal funding that supports essential programs like SNAP.
On October 10, 2025, USDA directed states to hold November SNAP benefits because of delays in transmitting funds to EBT vendors. Without intervention, this interruption would significantly increase hunger and financial hardship in Louisiana.
The Executive Order acknowledges this as an emergency situation and sets a pathway to temporarily safeguard SNAP benefits.
SNAP in Louisiana – Who’s impacted?
More than 792,000 Louisianians depend on SNAP to help meet their basic nutritional needs:
- Over 120,000 individuals with disabilities
- Approximately 356,825 children in SNAP households
- An estimated 88,208 older adults
These are the families most affected by food insecurity — and the ones this declaration aims to protect.
What happens now?
Louisiana’s Constitution (Article 7, Section 10.5) allows legislators to authorize emergency funding from the Revenue Stabilization Fund, even while out of session, if two-thirds of both the House and Senate provide written approval.
The Legislature is currently gathered for a special session and is able to take up this measure to ensure families do not go without food assistance.
The emergency declaration remains in effect from Friday, October 24 through Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Our Commitment
At Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, we will continue to advocate for families, individuals with disabilities, and all those who rely on essential supports like SNAP. We encourage community members and leaders to work together to ensure access to food is never interrupted — especially during times of crisis.
If you or someone you know needs help accessing resources, please reach out. We’re here. Always.
