Additional Resources For Louisiana WIC Participants

This program, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to help low-income households buy food. If eligible, you may receive both SNAP and WIC. To apply for SNAP visit dcfs.la.gov/SNAP or call 1-888-524-3578. If you qualify for SNAP, you also income qualify for WIC.

The CSFP Program works to improve Louisiana’s health outcomes by offering free and nutritious USDA commodity foods to eligible seniors who are at least 60 years of age.  For more information visit the Louisiana Department of Health CSFP Page, or call (225) 342-8254

• The Louisiana Medicaid Program may help to pay for medical care and related services for eligible children, parents, pregnant women, persons age 65 or older, and blind and/or disabled individuals receiving SSI or FITAP. If you qualify for Medicaid, you also income qualify for WIC.

To apply for Medicaid, visit www.ldh.la.gov/medicaid or call (888) 342-6207.

• TEFAP helps supplement the diets of low-income people by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. 
• You may be able to get food assistance from a local TEFAP organization in your area in two ways:
  • Getting foods from a place like a food pantry to take home or,
  • Eating a meal with a group of people at a place like a soup kitchen
•  For more information, visit www.fns.usda.gov/TEFAP or call (225) 922-1313.
• USDA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY 1-877-8-HAMBRE

• The USDA administers several programs that provide healthy food to children including:
  • National School Lunch Program
  • School Breakfast Program
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program
  • Summer Food Service Program
  • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
  • Special Milk Program 
• For more information, visit 

www.louisianabelieves.com/schools/public-schools/nutrition or call (877) 453-2721.

• Head Start programs serve children between the ages of 3 and 5 years, while Early Head Start programs serve pregnant women and families with children under 3 years. 
• These programs works to prepare children for school through lessons, activities and nutritious meals. 
• For more information, visit or call: 

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/ | (866) 763-6481 

• To support all families in accessing high quality child care, the Child Care Assistance program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to low-income families.  
• For more information, visit 

https://louisianabelieves.com/early-childhood/child-care-assistance-program or call (877) 453-2721.

• Parish Health Units offer all childhood immunizations at no cost to eligible children and teens, ages 0-18 years. The day of the week that immunizations are available varies by each clinic. 
• For more information, visit 

www.ldh.la.gov/healthybabies or www.shotsfortots.com or call (800) 251-BABY (2229).

• The Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free voice and text, confidential support before, during and after pregnancy. English and Spanish available.
  • Phone or text access to professional counselors
  • Real-time support and information
  • Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Resources
  • Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
  • Culturally sensitive support
  • Counselors who speak English and Spanish
  • Interpreter services in 60 languages
• For more information, visit 

www.mchb.hrsa.gov or call Crisis Line: (833) 943-5746.

• The Office of Behavioral Health provides statewide behavioral healthcare, including mental health treatment services.  
• For more information, visit

www.ldh.la.gov/OBH or call Crisis Line: (866) 310-7977

• 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting July 16, 2022. 
• For more information, visit  

www.988lifeline.org or call Crisis Line: 988.

• If you are blind or disabled, you may be eligible for monthly payments from this program. Children who receive SSI payments are eligible for Medicaid and SNAP.  
• For more information, visit 

www.socialsecurity.gov or call (800) 772-1213.

• FITAP (formerly known as AFDC or welfare) is a public assistance program that provides financial aid for children when they do not have sufficient financial support from their parents.  Children who receive FITAP may also be eligible for SNAP and Medicaid.   
• For more information or to apply for FITAP, visit https://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/fitap or call

(888) 524-3578.

• LIHEAP provides eligible households with assistance in meeting their monthly utility bills. Priority is given to those who may be elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have the highest energy consumption.  

For more information, visit www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance or call (888) 454-2001.

• By law, a child’s absent parent is required to provide financial support. This program can help locate a missing parent, establish parenthood and legally enforce payment. You must be a Louisiana resident to qualify. 
• For more information, visit www.dcfs.la.gov or call (888) LAHELP-U (524-3578).

• Using tobacco, alcohol or drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding is harmful to both you and your baby, and mothers who use these substances may not be able to effectively care for their children. Secondhand smoke and even objects that have been near smoke, like clothes, blankets, rugs or furniture, are also harmful to babies. If you need help quitting, you can call the hotlines below. 
• For help with quitting tobacco, visit 

www.QuitWithUsLa.org or call (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8663).

• For substance use help, visit www.ldh.la.gov/OBH or call (877) 664-2248.