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SUMMARY OF PROGRAM Provide the vision and mission of the State E&T program. In addition, describe how your State agency's E&T program meets the purpose of E&T which is to: Increase the ability of SNAP participants to obtain regular employment Meet State or local workforce needs Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) is committed to promoting self-sufficiency for individuals and families and providing shelter during emergencies. The state agency provides assessment, supportive services, education, and training to participants in SNAP. These services are designed to equip individuals with the skills and resources needed to obtain and retain employment, ultimately reducing reliance on public assistance. The SNAP E&T program is state-administered and primarily operates through contracted providers located in metropolitan areas, with ongoing efforts to expand statewide. Participation is voluntary, and non-participation does not result in a sanction. SNAP E&T services includes, Job search assistance, Life skills and coaching, Case management, Vocational training, Education, Work experience and Job retention support. Louisiana's plan outlines the use of federal grant and 50/50 funds in accordance with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, to provide services in designated areas. Program policies are governed by internal policies, the SNAP E&T Providers Handbook, and the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 67 – Social Services. To align the SNAP E&T program more directly with Louisiana's workforce needs, the state will take several steps such as: Use Labor Market Information to Target High-Demand Occupations Louisiana already maintains tools like the Star Jobs Rating System and publishes regional labor market forecasts to identify high-wage, high-demand occupations. Louisiana SNAP E&T could leverage those data sources to prioritize training and vocational programs in sectors where demand is highest (e.g. health care, energy, advanced manufacturing, tech). Partner with Community & Technical Colleges and Employers Build stronger partnerships with training institutions and employers so that SNAP E&T participants can access programs that lead directly to jobs with local employers. Employers can help design curricula or provide apprenticeships or work-experience placements tailored to local needs. Expand Access in Rural / Underserved Areas Many parts of the state outside metropolitan areas have fewer training providers or workforce development resources. Extending SNAP E&T services (vocational training, education, job coaching, etc.) into rural parishes helps alleviate geographic inequities. Louisiana’s workforce programs have recognized regional variation in income, wages, and employment demand. Focus on Retention, Not Just Placement Helping SNAP E&T participants not only get a job, but stay in it and move up via continued education, credentials, or upskilling, is key. Job retention support is already part of SNAP E&T services; building on that with mentoring, follow-up support, and services that address common barriers (transportation, childcare, 1/29/26, 8:19 AM State Plan LA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-lafy26stateplan//index.html 3/115