Webster Parish among those selected for USDA-funded pilot offering 30 percent bonus on fruits and vegetables
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is launching a federally-funded pilot to encourage Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to make healthier food choices. Starting April 14, all SNAP recipients who shop at Walmart stores in Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster and West Carroll parishes will receive a 30-cent produce bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables.
The produce bonus project, part of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Electronic Healthy Incentives Project (eHIP), is only available at participating Walmart locations in the six pilot parishes. SNAP shoppers can get up to $25 a month in produce bonus benefits during the pilot. No sign-up is necessary.
“This innovative pilot project is not just providing financial assistance—it’s about investing in the long-term health and well-being of Louisiana families,” said Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary of Family Support at DCFS. “We expect this project will make a real difference in helping families stretch their food budgets while making nutritious choices.”
Although SNAP shoppers can only receive the produce bonus when they buy fresh fruits and vegetables at one of the 13 participating stores, these bonus benefits can be used to buy any SNAP-eligible groceries at any retailer that accepts EBT. Bonus benefits are automatically added to a SNAP recipient’s EBT card and can be used as soon as the next transaction.
Key project features:
- No enrollment required—simply use your EBT card at a participating store
- Open to all Louisiana SNAP recipients who shop at a Walmart store in the six parishes
- Bonus benefits are automatically added to EBT cards at checkout
- Produce bonus benefits can be used immediately to buy SNAP-eligible grocery items at any retailer that accepts EBT
Louisiana joins two other states in testing this innovative approach to promoting healthy eating among SNAP recipients. The project, which is expected to last six to nine months, aims to extend food budgets and improve nutrition for participating families.
Research by the Food and Nutrition Service shows that participants in similar incentive programs consume 26 percent more fruits and vegetables than non-participants.
For more details about the project and participating, visit www.dcfs.louisiana/page/ehip.