Proposed SNAP change could affect hot-Meal access in Lansing

A bill introduced in the U.S. House could eliminate Michigan’s Restaurant Meal Program, which allows some SNAP recipients to use EBT benefits to buy hot meals at participating restaurants. Eligible recipients include people who are 60 or older, have disabilities, are experiencing homelessness or are their spouses.

Eastside Fish Fry owner Henry Meyer said customers use SNAP benefits at his Lansing restaurant every day. The restaurant is one of four in Lansing and 19 across Ingham, Eaton and Jackson counties that participate in the program.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said more than 233,000 Michigan SNAP recipients are eligible and warned that ending the program could reduce access to hot meals for people who cannot safely store, prepare or cook food at home. The bill would need approval from both chambers of Congress and, if signed into law, would take effect after 180 days.

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