BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Across Baton Rouge, small businesses and nonprofits are stepping up as changes to the SNAP benefits program continue to strain families. One local coffee shop is finding its own way to make a difference.

"It's kind of frustrating because business owners, it makes it harder for us because we don't get to deal with as many customers," said Manning Bergeron, owner of House Brew Coffee.

While the drop in SNAP assistance affects local business sales, it also highlights a deeper need in the community. Starting Nov. 1, his shop will give away free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with no questions asked.

"As a business in Baton Rouge, it's really important to support our community and be in that position to uphold the values that we see that are important

See Full Page