In an effort to encourage a more nutritious diet and improve public health, on February 18th, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) restrictions prohibiting the purchase of specific sugar-laden items with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)cards went into effect.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Restriction Waiver restricts recipients from buying soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, gum, and mints using their benefits. These items can still be purchased with cash, debit, or other funds.

Items such as fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products l, breads, cereals, grains, and seeds and plants for growing food at home were unaffected by the change and still able to be purchased with an EBT card. 

For more information, email LAHelpU@la.gov or call 888-524-3578 (LAHELPU).