We, the undersigned organizations, support legislation that would activate and fund the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program in Vermont. By tapping into this program, federal funds will support local restaurants while also meeting the needs of community members who face challenges in buying, preparing, and storing food.
We believe that all people deserve access to the foods they want and need everyday, and we believe restaurants can play a role in meeting the food needs of our vulnerable community members.
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program is a targeted program that allows certain SNAP (or 3SquaresVT) recipients to use their benefits on meals at restaurants across the state. Once the State of Vermont opts in, SNAP/3SquaresVT recipients would be eligible for this program if they are over the age of 60, have a disability, or are unhoused.
In Vermont, we see an aging population as well as a housing crisis, and we believe it is time to opt into a program that serves those in need of a ready to eat meal. The Restaurant Meals Program would support those with limited mobility, those who lack a place to prepare or store food, or those facing social isolation as they age by allowing them to use SNAP benefits to dine in restaurants.
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program would make it easier for restaurants across the state to serve more community members. Allowing certain SNAP recipients to get ready to eat meals at restaurants would alleviate some of the stress placed on community organizations who are trying to meet this need for prepared meals. The Restaurant Meals Program would help service providers and community members alike, all while bringing federal funding to local restaurants.