Louisiana Carrot Initiative (eHIP)

What is the Louisiana Carrot Initiative (eHIP)?

The Louisiana Carrot Initiative, or Electronic Healthy Incentives Project (eHIP), makes it easier for SNAP shoppers to choose healthy foods. SNAP recipients can get a 30-cent produce rebate added back to their EBT card for every SNAP dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Who is eligible for SNAP produce rebates?

All Louisiana SNAP recipients can earn the produce rebate when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all Walmart locations across the state.

How can I get the SNAP produce rebate?

Simply use your EBT card to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at any Louisiana Walmart store. Produce rebates will be automatically added to your EBT card.

How do I sign up for the SNAP produce rebates?

You don’t need to do anything — just use your EBT card at a participating store. SNAP produce rebates are automatically added to your EBT card at checkout.

How much can I receive in produce rebates when I buy fresh fruits and vegetables?

You can receive up to $25 per month in produce rebates.

What fruits and vegetables qualify?

Only fresh fruits and vegetables qualify for the SNAP produce rebates.

When can I use my produce rebates benefits?

Your SNAP produce bonus rebates can be used the next time you buy SNAP-eligible grocery items.

Will produce rebates work with in-store discounts and coupons?

Yes, it will be applied on top of any discounts or coupons.

Do I need to be a resident of one of the participating parishes to get produce rebates?

No, you only need to be a Louisiana SNAP recipient and shop at any Walmart or Walmart Neighborhood Market location in Louisiana.

What happens if I reach the $25 maximum in produce rebates before the end of the month?

After you have reached $25, you will not receive any more produce rebates that month. The $25 limit resets on the first of each month.

How do I keep track of my produce rebates?

Your SNAP produce rebate balance will be printed on your receipt, including your month-to-date total.

Why is the starting SNAP balance on my Walmart receipt different than my SNAP account balance?

Walmart adds your produce rebates to your SNAP starting balance, so it may look wrong on your receipt. Your ending balance, transaction amount, and SNAP produce rebates will be correct.

Is there a deadline to use the SNAP produce rebates?

Produce bonus rebates work like regular SNAP benefits and expire after 274 days.

How can a retailer sign up to participate?

Email Laurie Breaux at [email protected] to learn more about the requirements for retailer participation.

What must retailers do to participate in the Louisiana Carrot Program?

Retailers must:

1. Confirm SNAP Authorization
• Be an active, authorized retailer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Maintain good standing in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Ensure the store's SNAP permit is current and not under sanction.
2. Review eHIP Eligibility Requirements
• Confirm the store sells eligible healthy food items (e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables).
• Verify the compatibility of your point-of-sale (POS) system with eHIP incentive processing.
3. Complete the eHIP Retailer Agreement
• Obtain the agreement from LDH.
• Submit contact information for the store.
• Review program rules, compliance standards, and payment terms.
• Sign the eHIP Retailer Agreement.
• Agree to data-sharing and transaction-reporting requirements.
4. Complete Required Training
• Attend onboarding or compliance training provided by the administering agency.
• Train store managers and cashiers on:
  • Eligible and ineligible items
  • Incentive calculation and redemption
  • Customer communication
  • Record retention requirements
5. Update POS System & Testing
• Coordinate with the POS vendor to enable eHIP incentive functionality.
• Conduct test transactions to ensure that incentives are applied correctly.
• Verify reporting capabilities for required program data.
6. Pass Site Review (if required)
• Participate in a store visit or virtual inspection.
• Demonstrate eligible inventory and system functionality.
• Correct any deficiencies identified by program staff.
7. Receive Approval & Activation Notice
• Obtain written confirmation of approval.
• Receive official start date.
8. Maintain Ongoing Compliance
• Submit required transaction or redemption reports.
• Participate in audits or monitoring activities.
• Renew agreements as required.