food costs

A federal judge ruled against waivers given to five states, allowing them to restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing sugary drinks and candy, setting a precedent that could be used to challenge Louisiana law.

Changes made at the federal level to the food assistance program will cost millions in the coming years and make management of the program more complex.

As a longtime grocer, Nicole Dorignac would typically associate the holiday season — one in which her store fills with shoppers looking to buy giant turkeys, ingredients for side dishes and their preferred pies — with a time of joy and celebration.

Raising the minimum wage has been a consistent policy goal for Gov. John Bel Edwards. As he says, "Seven dollars and a quarter is not a meaningful wage."…