The resolution urges the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health to take immediate action to address the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a federal government shutdown. The resolution highlights the critical importance of ensuring access to healthy food for Louisiana citizens, particularly as over 564,000 individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and families with children, rely on SNAP benefits. The Louisiana Department of Health has warned that benefits will not be uploaded to EBT cards for November, which could severely impact the health and safety of residents. In response, Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency, and the legislature is considering all funding options to mitigate the situation.

To address the suspension of SNAP benefits, the resolution requests the Secretary to utilize funds appropriated for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including up to $150 million per month from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund, as authorized by previous legislation. The resolution emphasizes the need for immediate action to ensure that SNAP benefits can continue to be paid during this crisis. It also grants the Secretary the authority to use available funds to support the payment of SNAP benefits, underscoring the legislature's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Louisiana's residents during the federal shutdown.