(Greenfield, MA) The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that 27 restaurants and food trucks have been selected to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program, Greenfield’s Cocina Lupita being one of them. The new restaurant and food truck SNAP program will federally certify the establishments to expand food choice options and food access points for the community by fall of this year.
“The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program promotes equity and safety for older adults, residents with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness who receive SNAP benefits, allowing many low-income households access to the same purchasing power as other customers,” said DTA Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “In addition to promoting food security, SNAP also plays an important role in supporting our local economy and communities. I look forward to our agency assisting these local businesses in onboarding – and launching this pilot for individuals and households in the near future.”
According to the Department of Transitional Assistance, “Applicants were evaluated on criteria including their ability to respond to the needs of prioritized communities and eligible populations, inclusive of areas where food insecurity and rates of chronic disease have historically been disproportionately high, and areas classified as food deserts and environmental justice neighborhoods with limited existing access or other food access barriers. Restaurants were also evaluated on their ability to provide healthy and reduced-price food options, as well as their commitment and ties to their local communities, including their ability to serve SNAP clients in culturally appropriate ways.”