WASHINGTON – Food stamps will expire by the end of next week unless Congress can agree to end the federal government shutdown, Gov. Jeff Landry announced Wednesday.

Nearly 850,000 people in Louisiana received the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits each month in 2024, according to the latest numbers available. A state administered program paid for by the federal government provides money to help cover the cost of groceries for low-income people based on income and family size. A family of four receives up to $994 per month.

Landry blames Democrats in Congress for the government shutdown that precludes the government from appropriating funds for services, which will run out shortly after Nov. 1.

“Without the funds we cannot provide the benefits,” Landry said

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