Getting and Paying for Food

Posted on: April 5, 2020
The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

Last updated April 5, 2020. This is a quickly changing situation. Please check back for updates.

I need help getting or paying for food. What can I do?

If you’re having trouble getting or paying for food, here are some programs that might help. Please scroll down for more information.

Note: Because of COVID-19 some of these programs have changed some rules and how the programs work to support social distancing and help low-income people get the food they need.

 

SNAP (also known as “food stamps”)

 See: https://slls.org/snap/

Grab and Go meals at schools and other locations (see below) WIC (see below)

Other programs  (see below)

I lost my job or my hours were reduced because of COVID-19

 

I have children under 18 years old in my household

 

I’m pregnant or I am a mom with a child under 5 years old.

 

 

Can I apply for Disaster Food Stamps (DSNAP)

No. While DSNAP was provided after previous federal disaster declarations, DSNAP has not been provided for this one. Instead, changes have been made to regular SNAP. For information on regular SNAP as affected by Covid, go to https://slls.org/snap/.

Grab and Go meals at schools and other locations

Most schools and some other organizations are providing free meals for children under 18 years old. For most programs, a guardian over 18 years old can pick up the meals. Children do not need to be physically present.

You can find information about grab and go meals from schools here: https://cnp.doe.louisiana.gov/ServingSites/.

If you’re in Baton Rouge, you can get more information at https://www.brla.gov/2163/Free-Meal-Pickup-Sites-for-Children

If you’re in New Orleans, you can get more information at https://ready.nola.gov/home/#food

To find more Grab and Go locations, call 211.

WIC

WIC supports pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children (under 5 years old). WIC provides a card to buy specific nutritious foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding promotion, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services.

Most WIC clinics are still open. Due to current COVID-19 precautions, LA WIC clinics are allowing participants and/or caregivers to stay in their vehicles for appointments. Your information will be collected over the phone and a member of the staff will come out to your vehicle. Please bring your ID, WIC card (if you already have one), and all other required documents with you.

Visit http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/987 for more updated information about WIC during COVID-19.

Call 1.800.251.BABY to apply or to get more information.

Other Programs

During COVID-19 many local governments, nonprofit organizations, and businesses have programs to help people access the food they need. These include food pantries, other “grab and go” meal pick-up sites, and food delivery for seniors and people with disabilities.

Call 211 to find out about other programs that are available.

If you’re in the New Orleans or Baton Rouge regions and you need emergency food assistance, call 311.

If you’re in New Orleans, you also can visit: https://ready.nola.gov/home/#food

 

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