Louisiana lawmakers have found a possible short-term solution to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through November. According to Sen. Cameron Henry, lawmakers are drafting legislation that will be taken up during Louisiana’s special session that would allow the state to use Louisiana Department of Health funds for SNAP recipients through November. The resolution would have the federal government pay back the funds to the health department once the government reopens, according to Henry. Henry said using the health department’s money would help cards get loaded by Nov. 1. According to Henry, roughly $140 million to $150 million would be taken from the health department to fund the SNAP benefits. “You have to make sure that, that your disabled, your elderly, and about a thousand families and individuals on this program are taken care of,” said Henry. Henry said it’s the job of elected officials to make sure the program is funded, and he believes there is bipartisan support for this effort. Second Harvest organizers warned that the benefits will not cover all families, and the food bank has a massive shortage. Second Harvest issued this statement regarding the need for food: “South Louisiana’s food system is under growing strain as the federal government shutdown stalls funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). State leaders have announced a plan to use $150 million in state funds to temporarily continue benefits, but the proposal still awaits approval and would only cover part of the need. “Second Harvest Food Bank warns that any delay or gap will put added pressure on food pantries already receiving 4.8 million fewer meals’ worth of USDA food this year due to federal supply changes. “Even with the state’s quick action, this is still a crisis in the making,” said Jon Toups, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “The proposed funding might help some people for a short time, but not everyone who relies on SNAP. Our network is already stretched thin by fewer federal food deliveries and growing need.” “More than 847,000 people in Louisiana rely on SNAP each month. Without full federal funding, many will still need help keeping food on the table. “Second Harvest and its network of more than 500 community partners are working together to stretch limited food supplies, coordinate local distributions, and secure new sources of protein and shelf-stable goods to meet growing need. “We’re treating this like any other disaster because hunger doesn’t wait,” Toups added. “Charitable organizations can move food quickly, but we can’t replace the scale of federal nutrition programs.” “For every one meal a food bank helps provide, SNAP typically provides nine, showing how closely government and charitable efforts must work together to keep meals coming home. “How to help: Donate: Every dollar helps provide meals for local families. Volunteer: Help pack food at our warehouses in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma, and Lake Charles. Advocate: Share your support for federal nutrition programs that help families keep food on the table. Visit no-hunger.org to give, volunteer, or learn more.”The Senate convenes Wednesday at 11 a.m.

NEW ORLEANS —

Louisiana lawmakers have found a possible short-term solution to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through November.

According to Sen. Cameron Henry, lawmakers are drafting legislation that will be taken up during Louisiana’s special session that would allow the state to use Louisiana Department of Health funds for SNAP recipients through November.

The resolution would have the federal government pay back the funds to the health department once the government reopens, according to Henry.

Henry said using the health department’s money would help cards get loaded by Nov. 1.

According to Henry, roughly $140 million to $150 million would be taken from the health department to fund the SNAP benefits.

“You have to make sure that, that your disabled, your elderly, and about a thousand families and individuals on this program are taken care of,” said Henry.

Henry said it’s the job of elected officials to make sure the program is funded, and he believes there is bipartisan support for this effort.

Second Harvest organizers warned that the benefits will not cover all families, and the food bank has a massive shortage.

Second Harvest issued this statement regarding the need for food:

“South Louisiana’s food system is under growing strain as the federal government shutdown stalls funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). State leaders have announced a plan to use $150 million in state funds to temporarily continue benefits, but the proposal still awaits approval and would only cover part of the need.

“Second Harvest Food Bank warns that any delay or gap will put added pressure on food pantries already receiving 4.8 million fewer meals’ worth of USDA food this year due to federal supply changes.

“Even with the state’s quick action, this is still a crisis in the making,” said Jon Toups, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “The proposed funding might help some people for a short time, but not everyone who relies on SNAP. Our network is already stretched thin by fewer federal food deliveries and growing need.”

“More than 847,000 people in Louisiana rely on SNAP each month. Without full federal funding, many will still need help keeping food on the table.

“Second Harvest and its network of more than 500 community partners are working together to stretch limited food supplies, coordinate local distributions, and secure new sources of protein and shelf-stable goods to meet growing need.

“We’re treating this like any other disaster because hunger doesn’t wait,” Toups added. “Charitable organizations can move food quickly, but we can’t replace the scale of federal nutrition programs.”

“For every one meal a food bank helps provide, SNAP typically provides nine, showing how closely government and charitable efforts must work together to keep meals coming home.

“How to help: Donate: Every dollar helps provide meals for local families. Volunteer: Help pack food at our warehouses in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma, and Lake Charles. Advocate: Share your support for federal nutrition programs that help families keep food on the table. Visit no-hunger.org to give, volunteer, or learn more.”

The Senate convenes Wednesday at 11 a.m.