BATON ROUGE - A new initiative by DCFS is encouraging SNAP recipients to make healthier choices. 

Starting Monday, SNAP recipients will receive a 30-cent bonus for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at stores in certain parishes.

The bonus will be applied for shoppers at Walmart locations in Ascension, LaSalle, Sabine, Tangipahoa, Webster and West Carroll parishes. SNAP shoppers can get up to $25 a month in produce bonus benefits during the pilot days of the promotion. 

"This innovative pilot project is not just providing financial assistance—it's about investing in the long-term health and well-being of Louisiana families," Assistant Secretary of Family Support at DCFS Sammy Guillory said.

Guillory added that anyone can utilize the program if they buy fruits or vegetables at one of the 13 stores.

"If you purchase 83-dollars worth of food during month you'll get $25 bonus, and that $25 can be used on any items but to earn it you have to purchase fruits and vegetables," he said.