BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Governor Jeff Landry will discuss the future of SNAP benefits in Louisiana during a news conference Wednesday as uncertainty grows over federal food assistance for hundreds of thousands of residents.

The federal government announced benefits will not be loaded onto cards Saturday for the new month due to an ongoing government shutdown.

Community organizations step up amid uncertainty

Sashika Baunchand, who helps provide food through monthly food pantries with her non-profit Outstanding Mature Girlz, said demand is already high.

“The food was gone within one hour,” Baunchand said of a recent food pantry held just days ago.

The need could grow as the shutdown continues. A letter sent to state employees warned they would be furloughed if the government shutdown

See Full Page