BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The state is accepting functions from restaurant and meals truck operators to take part in a pilot program that can increase Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP) advantages.
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) will embrace eating places and meals vans which might be domestically privately owned and supply service and fee on the counter.
Utilizing federal pointers, the RMP will permit the homeless, disabled, and households with adults age 60 and older to make use of their SNAP advantages at choose taking part eating places and meals vans that supply reduced-price meal choices.
The thought is to increase meals selection choices and meals entry factors for individuals who have issue shopping for and storing groceries, in addition to cooking and making ready meals for themselves.
“Opening a Discover of Alternative to enroll eating places and meals vans within the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program displays the Administration’s dedication to offering Massachusetts households with culturally accessible meals whereas supporting native communities and companies,” he mentioned. Secretary of Well being and Human Companies Marylou Sudders. “This effort builds on the success of the fairness framework used to enroll extra Wholesome Incentives Program (HIP) suppliers as we proceed to advertise meals security all through the Commonwealth and a more healthy meals system and atmosphere. honest and equitable atmosphere.
“SNAP continues to be an vital instrument to assist fight meals insecurity by placing cash straight into the palms of greater than 600,000 households and supporting our native communities, companies and their workers,” mentioned Division of Transitional Help Appearing Commissioner Mary Shehan. “The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program promotes equity and security for seniors, residents with disabilities and the homeless who obtain SNAP advantages, permitting many low-income households to entry the identical spending energy than different clients. This Discover of Alternative is a key first step in making this vital possibility out there to the households and people we serve.”
Discover of Alternative candidates should meet a number of standards, together with serving underserved communities and areas labeled as limited-access meals deserts or different meals entry limitations, and companies that exhibit they will serve SNAP shoppers with disabilities and different accessibility challenges.
Eating places and meals vans can apply now by August 31, 2022. The pilot program is predicted to start within the fall of 2022. Be taught extra concerning the NOO and RMP program at Mass.gov/SNAPRestaurants.
