Congressman Carter Condemns SNAP Benefit Suspension in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released a statement following the announcement that Louisiana families will not receive SNAP benefits for the month of November due to the ongoing Republican federal government shutdown. This threatens the livelihoods of Louisiana families who rely on SNAP to feed their children and seniors-especially as the holidays approach:

"Taking away SNAP benefits from Louisiana families during the month of Thanksgiving is cruel. Yet our counterparts refuse to come to work and do their jobs to work with Democrats and keep the government open. The result is that hardworking families, seniors, and children in every parish across Louisiana are paying the price for Washington's dysfunction.

"While organizations like Second Harvest are stepping up to meet the moment, no food bank can replace the essential lifeline that SNAP provides. These community partners are an incredible resource, but the federal government has a moral obligation to ensure that every family can put food on the table. It's time to get back to Washington and do the right thing-reopen the government and restore these benefits immediately."

Background

Yesterday, Congressman Carter spent the morning volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank, helping to pack meals for families struggling with food insecurity-including federal workers now furloughed due to the shutdown. Over 800,000 Louisianians, roughly 17% of the state depend on SNAP benefits each month to afford groceries. The suspension of November benefits would disproportionately harm children, seniors, and low-income workers, especially in rural and urban communities already facing high food insecurity rates.

###