The pilot phase of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) will officially launch in Orange County on February 1, 2018 in participating restaurants in the cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana. Upon launch, Orange County will become the ninth county in California to offer this program to eligible participants.
Eligible Restaurant Meals Program Participants
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows elderly, disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients and their spouse to use their Golden State Advantage (EBT) card to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants. RMP offers meal options for eligible CalFresh recipients who may not be able to prepare meals, have a place to store and cook meals, and/or have access to a grocery store. For more information about eligibility requirements for RMP, click here.
“The new Restaurant Meals Program offers eligible CalFresh recipients a different option to enjoy a hot meal at participating restaurants in Santa Ana and Anaheim. Some residents do not have access to a kitchen; this serves as a more realistic alternative for them to get the proper nutrition they need,” said First District Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
“Through this pilot phase of the Restaurant Meals Program, we will be able to further assess the need and potential impact of this additional resource for our county’s most vulnerable populations,” said Fourth District Supervisor Shawn Nelson, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
CalFresh clients who are eligible to participate in RMP will be notified prior to February 1, 2018. Should CalWORKs/CalFresh recipients have questions regarding RMP, they are encouraged to contact their worker. CalFresh recipients without CalWORKs benefits should go to www.ssa.ocgov.com for more information.
Restaurant Participation in the RMP
Orange County is continuing to recruit restaurants located in the cities of Anaheim and Santa to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in order to further enhance accessibility to the program.
Restaurant owners in the cities may find out more about how to apply by going to: ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/calfresh/rmp_owner.
“Many restaurants in Orange County provide healthy options that eligible CalFresh recipients may not have had access to in the past. The Restaurant Meals Program is a step in providing nutritious meals to our most needy residents,” said Michelle Steel, Supervisor, Second District.
Background on the Restaurant Meals Program
On December 14, 2016, the Orange County Board of Supervisors authorized the Social Services Agency (SSA) to submit a proposed plan to the State of California to implement the pilot phase of RMP.
“The Restaurant Meals Program is one small step we can take to address homelessness with compassion, as basic human needs like shelter and nutrition are essential,” said Third District Supervisor Todd Spitzer.
In 2017, SSA worked with the State to obtain approval of the proposed plan. Upon plan approval in April 2017, SSA worked to develop the program, which included the development of a Master Memorandum of Understanding, recruitment of restaurants, review of restaurant applications and staff training. Additionally, SSA has been meeting with stakeholders, including presenting at the Homeless Provider Forum, to ensure that organizations that serve eligible RMP participants are aware of the upcoming program.
“Nutrition and access to proper meals is one of the social determinants of health. The restaurant meals program will allow homeless individuals in Santa Ana and Anaheim to access hot prepared meals and improve their overall health,” said Lisa Bartlett, Supervisor, Fifth District.
To learn more about the Restaurant Meals Program, please visit ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/calfresh/rmp.
