House committee backs study on allowing SNAP to cover grocery delivery fees

The House Committee on Health and Welfare reported House Concurrent Resolution 98 favorable on May 12 after Representative Carpenter asked the Louisiana Department of Health to study the cost, feasibility and potential impacts of allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to cover grocery delivery fees for elderly, disabled and transportation‑limited residents.

Carpenter told the committee the resolution would not change SNAP benefits or appropriate funding but would ask LDH for a study and recommendations. "The resolution does not change SNAP in any way or appropriate funding. It simply requests a study, just a study, and recommendations," Carpenter said.

Carpenter argued delivery costs can be a “significant barrier” to food access in rural and underserved communities and noted that many grocery platforms already accept SNAP purchases, so the infrastructure for online purchasing exists. He also cited federal legislative activity on the issue, saying Congressman Fields has introduced legislation to permit SNAP benefits to cover delivery costs at the federal level.

The motion to report HCR 98 favorable was made and accepted with no objections. The resolution asks LDH to examine populations that would benefit, typical delivery costs, administrative and technical considerations, nutritional impacts and potential long‑term health savings tied to improved access.

Because HCR 98 is a study request rather than a change in state or federal SNAP rules, any change to benefit eligibility or allowable purchases would depend on federal authorities or future enabling legislation. The committee did not record a roll‑call vote; the chair announced the resolution reported favorable and advanced it to the next stage of consideration.