The Louisiana Department of Social Services says seven of the state's southernmost parishes -- including Terrebonne-- have been approved by the federal government to receive a second month of disaster food-stamp benefits.

Disaster food stamps were made available to families in need of food after both hurricanes Gustav and Ike in early September.

DSS says federal policy normally does not allow for more than one benefit period of disaster food stamps per month.

The state agency department requested an exception to the policy to extend the program another month for families affected by both hurricanes.

The second month of benefits for those in the seven parishes will automatically be loaded onto existing disaster benefit cards by the end of the month.

Lafourche Parish is not on the list, which includes Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes.

Interim Social Services Secretary Kristy Nichols said the state will continue to push the federal government to qualify other parishes that were affected by Hurricane Ike.