MDHHS Restaurant Meal Program continues to expand

LANSING, Mich. (WJMN) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Restaurant Meal Program that provides restaurant meals to seniors and eligible food assistant recipients has grown to more than 100 restaurants in 26 counties since it launched three years ago.

To serve Michigan residents who have difficulties preparing their own food due to disability, age or lack of kitchen access, the Restaurant Meal Program allows beneficiaries to use their food assistance benefits to purchase restaurant meals at participating locations.

Like purchasing groceries, eligible participants can buy meals at participating restaurants with their Bridge Card. A list of participating restaurants can be found here .

“The Restaurant Meal Program expands options for individuals who need hot prepared meals,” said MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel. “Additional restaurants are joining the program regularly, and the goal is to provide this service in every county in the state.”

Restaurants in the program must enroll and be approved by federal partners at Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) before eligible participants can make purchases. Interested restaurants can contact MDHHS via email at MDHHS-RestaurantMealProgram@michigan.gov .

Among those eligible to receive meals through the program are: adults age 60 and over, people who receive disability or blindness payments, or those who receive disability retirement benefits from a government agency because of a disability that is considered permanent, and people experiencing homelessness and these individuals’ spouses.

Per FNS requirements, all group members requesting food assistance through the program must be eligible for participation in the program to receive meals.

Additional information for both restaurants and eligible food assistance recipients can be found here .

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