Families in north Louisiana that rely on SNAP will see additional benefits because of the ice storm. Officials say there are thousands of households who have less money and less food because of road closures and extended power outages. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein:
“SNAP recipients in Caldwell, DeSoto, East Caroll, Jackson, Ouachita, Red River, Richland and West Caroll parishes will automatically receive an additional 20% on top of their SNAP benefits,” Greenstein explained.
Greenstein says SNAP recipients in eight parishes in north Louisiana will receive an additional 20% of their January benefits. He says these individuals will not have to do anything additional to receive these added benefits and this will help thousands.
“That covers around 51,500 people, and these benefits will be added directly to their EBT cards by February 11,” Greenstein said.
Governor Landry says there is also assistance available for small businesses that lost revenue due to the ice storm. The governor says small business disaster loans are available to businesses in 19 north and central Louisiana parishes.
“Small businesses can now apply for SBA disaster loans and lending.sba.gov to help them get back on their feet,” Landry said.
The deadline to apply is November 2nd.