Gov. Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Legislature are intervening to cover the cost of SNAP benefits , otherwise known as food stamps, that are set to expire on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown.

If Congress does not pass a bill to fund the federal government by the end of the month, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would run out of money. Nearly 800,000 Louisiana residents get SNAP benefits.

Landry on Friday declared a state of emergency over the issue, saying "any interruption in SNAP benefits will significantly increase food insecurity among Louisiana's most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children and individuals with disabilities."

The executive order notes that Louisiana has a Revenue Stabilization Fund that the Legislature can tap for emer

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