Louisiana SNAP Update:

New Purchase Restrictions and Able-Bodied Work Rules

Louisiana SNAP shoppers will see an important change at checkout beginning February 18, 2026. Under a USDA-approved SNAP Food Restriction Waiver, SNAP benefits (EBT) can no longer be used to purchase soft drinks, energy drinks, or candy including gum and mints. This is a payment restriction, not a ban: those items can still be purchased with cash, debit, or other funds. The waiver is approved as a two-year pilot, effective February 18, 2026, through February 17, 2028.  

Most groceries remain fully SNAP-eligible. Louisiana’s guidance emphasizes that neighbors can still purchase fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry and fish, dairy products, breads and grains, and even seeds and plants to grow food at home. If a restricted item is included in your cart, a cashier may need to separate it from the SNAP transaction so it can be paid for another way.  

Separately, neighbors should be aware of SNAP’s “able-bodied” work rules, which can affect ongoing eligibility. Federal SNAP rules include an additional requirement for certain Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)—generally adults ages 18–54 who are able to work and do not have dependents in their SNAP household. If an ABAWD does not meet the requirement and is not exempt, benefits may be limited to three months in a 36-month period. In most cases, the rule can be met by working, volunteering, or participating in an approved employment and training activity for at least 80 hours per month (or by meeting assigned workfare hours). Exemptions may apply if you are pregnant, unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, have someone under 18 in your SNAP household, or meet other qualifying conditions such as veteran status, homelessness, or being age 24 or younger and formerly in foster care at 18.  

Feeding Louisiana and the regional food banks are watching these changes closely because SNAP is one of the most effective anti-hunger tools we have. If you or someone you know has questions, act early: check your case status, keep records of work or volunteer hours, and ask your SNAP agency about exemptions or SNAP Employment & Training options.