Louisiana expands SNAP veggie bonus to Walmarts statewide

A program to stretch federal food assistance in Louisiana is expanding, giving recipients more buying power when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Louisiana Carrot Initiative gives participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program an extra 30 cents for every dollar they spend on fresh produce at Walmart locations statewide. Recipients can earn an extra $25 in SNAP benefits per month.

The state health department launched the Carrot Initiative in April 2025, starting with a limited number of Walmart stores. More than $1.6 million in bonus benefits have been earned since its inception. 

“The Louisiana Carrot Initiative rewards healthy choices, makes fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable, and helps put prevention at the center of our approach to health,” Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein said in a statement. “Expanding this program to Walmart stores statewide means more Louisiana families can benefit from this proven strategy.”

The expansion is unfolding as state officials and retailers work to implement new guidelines for how SNAP benefits can be used. 

Earlier this year, Louisiana placed a temporary ban on buying certain energy drinks, candy and soda with their benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which pays for SNAP, granted Louisiana a waiver to impose extra restrictions through Jan. 12, 2028, at the request of Gov. Jeff Landry. 

More information about the Louisiana Carrot Initiative is available ldh.la.gov/page/ehip, where the map and list of participating retailers had not been updated as of Wednesday afternoon to reflect the additional Walmart sites.