On Monday Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that would allow homeless, elderly and disabled SNAP recipients to use their benefits for prepared or hot food from participating restaurants.
Hochul also announced the $25 million Restaurant Resiliency Program that will help the restaurant industry as it still struggles thanks to the pandemic.
“It’s unconscionable that in a state as prosperous as New York, many residents still struggle to get enough food to feed their families,” Governor Hochul said. “The vital actions we’re taking—establishing two restaurant programs to help the most vulnerable New Yorkers feed themselves and help restaurants recover from this terrible pandemic—will work in tandem to put food on the table in homes across the state. This pandemic continues to impact the wallets and homes of a vast number of New Yorkers, and we’re taking any and all actions to help them support themselves and their loved ones.”
The Restaurant Meals Program needs approval from the USDA before it can be utilized, but it will allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits on hot and prepared foods from participating delis and restaurants.
This will help the homeless, disabled, and elderly populations the most.
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