MDHHS program enabling food assistance benefits for seniors and eligible participants to be used at Michigan restaurants continues to expand

For the past three years, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has provided restaurant meals to seniors and eligible food assistance recipients through its Restaurant Meal Program. Today, the program has grown to more than 100 restaurants in 26 counties.

MDHHS launched the Restaurant Meal Program Jan. 1, 2021, to serve residents who have difficulties preparing their own food due to disability, age or lack of kitchen access. It allows beneficiaries to use their food assistance benefits to purchase restaurant meals at participating locations.

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

Eligible participants can buy meals at participating restaurants with their Bridge Card in a manner similar to purchasing groceries. A list of participating restaurants can be found online at Restaurant Meal Program, and MDHHS encourages restaurants to advertise this benefit to their patrons directly.

Adults 60 and over, people who receive disability or blindness payments, or receive disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because of a disability that is considered permanent, and people experiencing homelessness and these individuals' spouses are among those who are eligible. Per Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requirements, all group members must be eligible for participation in the program.

To participate, restaurants must enroll in the program and be approved by federal partners at FNS before eligible participants can make purchases. Interested restaurants should contact MDHHS at [email protected] to enroll. Restaurants must apply directly to MDHHS to participate in the Restaurant Meal Program. Restaurants should not work with a third-party vendor to participate as none are authorized.

Additional information for both restaurants and eligible food assistance recipients, including frequently asked questions, a list of participating restaurants, required forms for restaurants seeking to participate and general information about the program is available online.

Across Michigan, more than 322,000 seniors and residents with disabilities and 52,000 residents experiencing homelessness are able to use their Bridge card to buy discounted meals at participating restaurants. Food assistance recipients with questions or who experience difficulties using their Bridge card at a participating restaurant can email [email protected].

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