Bruce Greenstein
Coverage of Bruce Greenstein in the Nexus archive.
- Louisiana gets SNAP waiver from Tropical Storm Arthur for hot meals
Louisiana residents receiving SNAP benefits can now purchase hot meals or prepared foods through Aug. 13 due to a temporary waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver, approved by the USDA, applies statewide and does not provide additional funding, as the state prepares for a second approaching storm, Tropical Storm Bertha.
- Louisiana receives waiver allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods through August 13
Louisiana's SNAP recipients can purchase hot or prepared foods through August 13, 2026, under a USDA-approved waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver temporarily lifts the usual restriction prohibiting SNAP benefits from buying hot foods, though restaurant meals remain ineligible.
- Louisiana confirms first West Nile case as U.S. sees worst early-season surge in decades
Louisiana confirmed its first 2026 West Nile virus case in Ouachita Parish, with infected mosquitoes detected in 13 parishes. The U.S. is experiencing its worst early-season West Nile surge in two decades, with 48 national cases reported by June 30, including 38 severe cases.
- Louisiana sent back $111 million meant to feed mothers and babies, audit finds
A Louisiana audit found the state returned $111 million in unused federal WIC benefits from 2021-24, ranking 50th nationally for participation. The audit highlights barriers like limited clinic hours, insufficient outreach, and lack of mobile clinics, urging expansion to improve access for low-income mothers and babies.
- Louisiana could do more to connect mothers, young children with food aid, audit finds
A Louisiana audit found nearly half of federal WIC food assistance for low-income mothers and children went unredeemed, with over $111 million returned to the USDA. The report recommends expanding access through mobile clinics, off-site appointments, and additional WIC clinics in underserved parishes to address barriers like limited hours and outreach efforts.
- Louisiana expands SNAP veggie bonus to Walmarts statewide
Louisiana has expanded its Carrot Initiative to all Walmart locations statewide, providing SNAP recipients with an additional 30 cents for every dollar spent on fresh produce. The program, launched in April 2025, has generated over $1.6 million in bonus benefits and aims to make fruits and vegetables more affordable.
- Pa. grapples with implementing Medicaid work requirements
Pennsylvania will implement Medicaid work requirements in 2027, requiring adults aged 19-64 without children under 14 to work, volunteer, or study 80 hours monthly to retain coverage. The state faces budget and staffing challenges, with 6,000 employees needing retraining and $50 million allocated for technology upgrades. Exceptions include individuals in foster care, those with substance use disorders, pregnant women, and veterans with 100% disability.