A pilot program will allow qualifying Massachusetts restaurants and food trucks to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as payment for prepared food.Â
On Monday, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce invited personnel from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to speak about the Restaurant Meals Program in an online event.
The program gives restaurants access to new clientele, as well as demonstrating a business’ commitment to its community, according to the Department of Transitional Assistance.
The program aims to allow people who receive SNAP benefits, who may have difficulty preparing food themselves, access to prepared food. The program wants to fight social isolation by enabling recipients to eat at restaurants.
Qualifications for the program include: restaurants and food trucks be independently owned, offer a reduced price item or items on their menu available to all patrons, and customers using SNAP must have access to a payment system where they can swipe their payment card and enter their own pin.
The application deadline is Aug. 31. Businesses can apply or obtain more information on the DTA’s website. The expansion of the program to restaurants is expected to start in November.
