A new initiative in New York is changing the way certain beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access nutritious, prepared meals. Through the Restaurant Meals Program, it is now possible to use benefits to pay for food at participating local restaurants.
The program is designed to support individuals who, for various reasons, cannot store or prepare food at home. The eligible groups are:
The initiative started in the city of Rochester as part of a pilot program that could expand to more locations in the future.
In addition to expanding food choices for beneficiaries, the program also provides an economic boost to local businesses, strengthening the connection between community well-being and food security.