Resources and Support for Louisianans Facing Food Insecurity

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The disruption is expected to hit hardest among individuals living on fixed incomes who rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

In Louisiana, the state plans to step in and provide food aid to most residents in need. However, those benefits will be distributed in smaller weekly installments rather than in a single monthly payment.

The shutdown has also forced Louisiana to furlough 786 employees responsible for administering SNAP and other public assistance programs. Those workers have been instructed not to report to work beginning Monday, November 3.

You Are Not Alone
If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.

Check Your EBT Balance
Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.

Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options:

In Louisiana:

• United Way of LA - Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to speak with trained specialists for help find assistance with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, and much more. Website: https://www.cauw.org/
• Feeding Louisiana - https://www.feedinglouisiana.org/
• Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank - https://brfoodbank.org/find-help/find-food/
• Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services. Website: https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/

Nationwide resources:

• Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
• Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org
• Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/
• WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food
• Meals on Wheels America: Delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
• Little Food Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/
• Harvesters Community Food Network - https://www.harvesters.org
• Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

National Hotlines for Immediate Help

• National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
• WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479
• Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.