The state of New York, specifically in the city of Rochester, has launched an initiative through which the Restaurant Meals Program will allow recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use their benefits at various local restaurants. According to Suzan Zimet, New York’s Food Policy and Hunger Coordinator, it is a way to meet the needs of those who cannot store or prepare food. To be eligible, participants must be homeless, disabled, or over 60 years old. Several establishments have been included, such as Philomina’s Cooking and Eating Healthy With Phil, Lakeside Haven Family Restaurant, Pomodoro Pizza, Wings and Pasta, Gregorio’s Pizza, Nin’s Restaurant, Jin Wang Chinese Restaurant, and Donut-N-Diner.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
As stated on its official website, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families so they can pay for basic nutritious foods. Each month, SNAP program beneficiaries receive their funds deposited onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a credit card.
Eligibility
Not every citizen can obtain SNAP benefits; they must meet the eligibility requirements that are set. Each state has its own requirements and an income limit, and they also take into account factors such as the amount of money a person may have in the bank or other assets.
How can you apply?
To apply for this assistance, you will need to contact a local office, unless your state accepts applications online, by postal mail, or by fax. New Initiative in New YorkThe Social Security Administration (SSA) announced this year the possibility of using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits even for online purchases, with companies like Amazon participating.
Now, with the aim of meeting the needs of people in the city of Rochester who do not have the ability to store or prepare food, it has been approved that SNAP benefits be accepted at some local dining establishments. This will be through the Restaurant Meals Program, which ensures that anyone, regardless of personal or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to have a hot meal.
Will everyone be able to use their benefits in local restaurants?
The answer is no. This new measure has its own requirements, which include:
- Being a SNAP beneficiary over 60 years old.
- Being a homeless SNAP beneficiary.
- Being a SNAP beneficiary with a disability, along with their spouses.
Which restaurants will offer this benefit?
This new initiative does not include all the restaurants in the city, but the list of those available is broad and diverse:
- Philomina’s Cooking and Eating Healthy With Phil. Offers gluten-free, vegetarian options, with healthy dishes inspired by Nigerian cuisine.
- Lakeside Haven Family Restaurant. Specializes in breakfast and lunch, located at 3212 Lake Avenue.
- Pomodoro Pizza. Specializes in pizzas but also offers other dishes.
- Wings and Pasta. Offers hot dishes, as well as pizzas and wings.
- Gregorio’s Pizza. Specializes in Italian food made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Nin’s Restaurant. Specializes in Jamaican food.
- Jin Wang Chinese Restaurant. Specializes in Chinese food.Donut-N-Diner. Located at 836 N Goodman St, Rochester.
This type of initiative not only offers a greater range of options for beneficiaries, but also provides support for local companies participating in these programs. It is about ensuring that beneficiaries in more vulnerable situations have access to the widest possible variety of food options. So far it has only been established in the city of Rochester, so we will have to wait and see if this initiative manages to expand to more cities, not only in the state of New York but throughout the country.