HCR 98

HLS 26RS-238  ENGROSSED
 2026 Regular Session
 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 98
 BY REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER
 SNAP/FOOD STAMPS: Modifies the use of SNAP benefits to include food delivery costs
1A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
2 To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to study and report on the cost,
3feasibility, and impact of allowing recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
4Program (SNAP) benefits to use such benefits to pay for grocery delivery fees and
5related costs, particularly as it relates to improving food access for elderly and
6mobility-limited individuals.
7WHEREAS, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally
8 funded program designed to alleviate food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food
9 for low-income individuals and families; and
10WHEREAS, SNAP benefits may currently be used to purchase eligible food items,
11 including through online grocery platforms, but federal law generally prohibits the use of
12 such benefits to pay delivery fees, service charges, or other non-food costs associated with
13 grocery delivery; and
14WHEREAS, the inability to use SNAP benefits for delivery-related costs creates a
15 financial barrier for many recipients, particularly elderly individuals, persons with
16 disabilities, and those lacking reliable transportation; and
17WHEREAS, elderly individuals and individuals with mobility limitations often
18 experience significant difficulty traveling to grocery stores due to physical limitations, lack
19 of transportation, or geographic barriers, particularly in rural and underserved areas of this
20 state; and
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  HCR NO. 98
1WHEREAS, modern grocery delivery platforms, including services such as Instacart
2 and DoorDash, provide the capability for consumers to order groceries online and have them
3 delivered directly to their residences, thereby increasing access to food for individuals who
4 are homebound or otherwise unable to shop in person; and
5WHEREAS, such delivery platforms have significantly expanded their acceptance
6 of SNAP benefits for online grocery purchases, with services now available across thousands
7 of retail locations nationwide, thereby demonstrating the scalability and accessibility of such
8 systems; and
9WHEREAS, despite the availability of online purchasing, delivery fees and service
10 charges, which often range from several dollars per order or more depending on distance,
11 timing, and service level, remain an out-of-pocket expense that disproportionately impacts
12 low-income households; and
13WHEREAS, requiring SNAP recipients to pay delivery fees separately may
14 discourage or prevent use of grocery delivery services, thereby limiting access to healthy
15 food options and exacerbating food insecurity among vulnerable populations; and
16WHEREAS, federal legislation, specifically H.R. 6135 of the 119th Congress, known
17 as the "Snap Delivery Modernization Act of 2025," introduced by Congressman Cleo Fields
18 of Louisiana, proposes to amend federal law to allow SNAP benefits to be used to pay for
19 grocery delivery costs in order to increase food access; and
20WHEREAS, analysis of such federal legislation indicates that permitting the use of
21 SNAP benefits for delivery fees would reduce barriers for low-income households, including
22 those without vehicles or with health limitations, and would make grocery delivery a more
23 practical and accessible option; and
24WHEREAS, this state has a substantial population of elderly residents and SNAP
25 recipients who may benefit from expanded access to grocery delivery services; and
26WHEREAS, a comprehensive study is necessary to evaluate the potential fiscal
27 impact on the state, including administrative considerations, potential cost offsets, public
28 health implications, and improvements in food accessibility and nutritional outcomes.
29THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
30 urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health, in coordination with relevant
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  HCR NO. 98
1 stakeholders, to study and evaluate the cost, feasibility, and impact of allowing SNAP
2 recipients to use their benefits to pay for grocery delivery fees and related service costs.
3BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such study shall include, but not be limited to:
4(1)     An analysis of the number and demographics of SNAP recipients in
5Louisiana who may benefit from grocery delivery services, including elderly
6and mobility-limited individuals.
7(2)     An evaluation of the typical cost of grocery delivery services, including
8delivery fees, service charges, and other associated costs.
9(3)     An assessment of the potential impact on food access, food security, and
10health outcomes for SNAP recipients if delivery fees were covered by
11benefits.
12(4)     A review of administrative and technological requirements necessary to
13implement such a policy at the state level, including coordination with
14federal law and private delivery platforms.
15(5)     Consideration of any cost savings or efficiencies that may result from
16improved food access, including reductions in healthcare costs associated
17with poor nutrition.
18BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Department of Health shall submit
19 a written report of its findings and recommendations to the House and Senate committees
20 on health and welfare no later than February 1, 2027.
21BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
22 secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
  DIGEST
 The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
 of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
 part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
 HCR 98 Engrossed  2026 Regular Session  Carpenter
 Requests the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to study and report on the cost,
 feasibility, and impact of allowing recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
 (SNAP) benefits to use such benefits to pay for grocery delivery fees.
 Requires LDH to submit a report to the House and Senate committees on health and welfare
 by Feb. 1, 2027.
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