Restaurant Meal Program to Help State’s Most Vulnerable

It’s hard to make dinner when you don’t have a kitchen. Certain Michigan residents can now get a hot meal from a restaurant using state assistance.

The program is called the Restaurant Meal Program and is intended to help with food insecurity in the most vulnerable populations. Older adults over 60, people with a disability who receive Social Security Income, and people experiencing homelessness are eligible for the program.

Restaurants can enroll in the program at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website. Once restaurants enroll, a list of participating restaurants will be available and eligible beneficiaries can start using the service.

Statewide, 180,000 seniors, 134,000 residents with disabilities and 1,200 residents experiencing homelessness will be able to use their Bridge Cards at participating restaurants. 

In addition to the Restaurant Meal Program, MDHHS provides meals outside of traditional grocery store shopping with programs like Meals on Wheels and meals at treatment centers, shelters, and group dining facilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland