Lasalle, Sabine and Webster Are among the six parish taking part in a USDA-funded pilot project to promote healthier food choices among SNAP recipients. Sammy Guillory is an assistant Secretary with the state's Department of Children and Family Services.
As the Louisiana Radio Network reports, Guillory says recipients will receive a 30¢ bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at 13 designated Walmart stores with a maximum monthly bonus of $25. “Those benefits will be immediately added to their card and they can spend those anywhere in the state on anything.”
The pilot program is expected to run for six to nine months. Guillory says no sign-up is needed to participate, simply use your EBT card at a participating store. Those stores include the Walmart Supercenters in Minden, Springhill, Many, and Jena, Louisiana. The initiative aims to improve both nutrition and financial well-being. Guillory explains, "We expect this project will make a real difference in helping families stretch their food budgets while making nutritious choices."
Research by the Food and Nutrition Service shows that participants in similar incentive programs consume 26% more fruits and vegetables than non-participants. For more details about the project and participating stores, visit dcfs.la/ehip.
