To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to provide guidance and enhanced technical assistance for States seeking to establish a restaurant meals program under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · October 4, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The Meals for At-Risk Americans Act of 2023 would help states establish restaurant meals programs under the federal food assistance program known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Currently, only a few states offer this option, which allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create guidance and provide technical assistance to states wanting to launch these programs, and requires the agency to develop an online application system for states and restaurants within one year of the law's passage. The legislation also mandates that the federal government give states regular updates on their program applications and explain any denials, while providing states with real-time information about restaurant applications. This bill aims to make it easier for states to implement restaurant meal programs and potentially expand access to meals for vulnerable populations like seniors and people with disabilities who may have difficulty preparing food.
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