Page 5

PROGRAM CHANGES Summarize changes for the upcoming Federal fiscal year (FY) from the prior FY. Significant changes may include new initiatives, changes in funding or funding sources, policy changes, or significant changes to the number of partners or participants. Significant changes could include those made as a result of management evaluation findings or participation in program improvement initiatives, such as SNAP to Skills. It is not necessary to include changes made as a result of new Federal rulemaking. As part of the 2025 Legislative Session, Louisiana enacted House Bill 624, which introduced significant structural changes to the administration of SNAP and the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program. The legislation transfers the SNAP program oversight from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) effective October 1, 2025. This transition is part of a broader workforce reform effort aimed at unifying workforce and public assistance services under a “One Door” model of service delivery. HB 624 also formally ends the SNAP E&T pilot designation and establishes the program as a permanent, state-administered initiative. The legislation also updates program terminology to reflect a more customer-centered approach, changing references from “participants” to “customers”. These changes aim to strengthen program accountability, streamline service coordination, and support improved outcomes for individuals working toward self-sufficiency. SNAP E&T will be discontinuing partnerships Federal Fiscal Year 2026 with St. Vincent De Paul, Petra College, Ben D. Johnson, and Liberty's Kitchen. Louisiana Community and Technical College System will be adding the following as subcontractors to provide educational services in Education- Basic/Foundational Skills Instruction and Education- Career/Technical Educational Programs or Other Vocational Training: Bossier Parish Community College, River Parishes Community College and Nunez Community College. The State will launch a new initiative to strengthen accountability and evaluation of SNAP E&T services by directly collecting and analyzing key performance data that includes monthly case management engagement, credential/training completion, program completion rate, and employment outcomes. Using existing systems and documentation, the State will track the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all E&T participants and activities. Highlight any changes from above that the State agency is making to the E&T program based on the prior year’s performance, for instance changes made as a result of E&T outcome and participation data. The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program will be discontinuing partnerships for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 with St. Vincent De Paul, Petra College, and Ben D. Johnson due to challenges these providers faced in sustaining the E&T program. St. Vincent De Paul encountered significant operational difficulties that hindered their ability to continue offering effective services. Petra College struggled to meet the program's requirements and maintain participant engagement, leading to the decision to end the partnership. Similarly, Ben D. Johnson faced issues with providing the necessary support and resources to keep the E&T program viable. Additionally, Liberty's Kitchen has permanently closed its doors, further impacting the availability of services for SNAP E&T participants. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to ensure that the SNAP E&T program partners with providers who can consistently deliver high-quality services and support to participants. 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 5/115