Washtenaw County residents who rely on SNAP benefits and can't prepare their own meals may use their Michigan Bridge Card at participating restaurants through a program the county Health Department is working to expand.

The Washtenaw County Health Department is recruiting local eateries to join the Restaurant Meal Program, which lets eligible SNAP recipients buy prepared meals with their benefits. SNAP benefits typically cover only grocery items, not hot or ready-to-eat food. The program, facilitated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), targets residents who face barriers to cooking at home.

^Angela Parsons, a senior management analyst with the Health Department's Environmental Health Division, told WEMU the program serves a specific population. "It is for folks who have a recognized disability, for folks who are aged 60 years or older or individuals who may be homeless and also spouses of an eligible participant," Parsons said.

Eligible SNAP participants are automatically enrolled. Residents can check their MIBridges account at newmibridges.michigan.gov for an eligibility message. Those who believe they qualify but don't see a message can email [email protected].

Nearly 51,000 Washtenaw County residents experienced food insecurity in 2023, according to the county Health Department. Parsons said in the county's announcement that the program allows residents to get a prepared meal while also supporting local businesses.

Three area restaurants participate in the program. Ziad Awwad, owner of Stimulatte Café, said in the county's announcement that the program "brings people into the restaurant to use benefits that are available to them." Papa John's and Issa's Pizza, owned by Omar Sowe, are also part of the program. A list of participating restaurants is available on the county's Restaurant Meal Program page.

Restaurants that want to join must meet five requirements: sit-down seating, full accessibility, low-cost meal options, food offerings that qualify as actual meals rather than snacks (excluding places like ice cream shops, bakeries or coffee shops unless a meaningful share of sales are meal items), and a point-of-sale device that can process Bridge Card transactions.

Restaurant owners can find sign-up details on the county's Restaurant Meal Program page. Residents with questions about eligibility can contact MDHHS by email.