Public assistance cards in Louisiana allow families to buy fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a number of other food items.
Since 1964, the Louisiana Department of Children and Families has provided public assistance to low-income households and individuals to supplement monthly food budgets. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has different levels of assistance depending on a family's monthly income and/or an individual's disability.
Available programs
Individuals and families seeking assistance from the state may qualify under one of two programs--SNAP or the Louisiana Combined Application Project (LaCAP). While SNAP is generally aimed at providing aid to families, LaCAP is primarily for individuals over 60 years of age who receive Social Security.
Benefits distribution
Recipients of public assistance from the SNAP or LaCAP programs will receive their supplemental food income on a state-provided debit card, referred to as a Louisiana Purchase Card. Deposits post to recipients' accounts during the first 14 days of the month, and are available by 5 a.m. on the following morning.
Eligible purchases
While those using state assistance are expected to contribute to their monthly food budgets, SNAP and LaCAP funds can be used to purchase many food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, breads, dairy products, meats, fish and poultry. Recipients may not apply their benefits to the purchase of alcohol or tobacco, household goods, pet supplies, vitamins or any food that is hot at the time of sale.
"Junk Food" regulations
A federal law passed in 2008 precludes certain energy drinks--those classified by the FDA as nutritional supplements, which do not contain nutritional information on their packaging--from being available for purchase with a state assistance card. The USDA reviewed proposals to restrict the purchase of cakes, cookies, ice cream and soft drinks, but attempts to block those items were unsuccessful as the agency considers them food items and therefore eligible for purchase.
Tags: food items, assistance from, food budgets, monthly food, monthly food budgets, SNAP LaCAP, state assistance