A measure to expand options for people experiencing food insecurity spearheaded by state Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) recently became law in Illinois.
Harper sponsored House Bill 3343 to allow disabled, elderly and homeless people receiving assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use SNAP benefits at certain restaurants, giving people who are physically unable to prepare food or have no place to store groceries access to prepared meals. Currently, Arizona and California offer the Restaurant Meals Program, a voluntary program under federal law, while Florida and Rhode Island are operating pilot projects. Illinois residents are currently limited in how they can use SNAP, severely restricting homeless and disabled individuals’ access to food.
“Far too many Illinoisans don’t have a place to prepare, store or cook food in order to receive necessary sustenance,” Harper said. “Unfortunately, overly-restrictive policies are preventing them from getting the assistance they deserve. This bill will help give our must vulnerable Illinoisans access to good meals”. I applaud my colleagues in the General Assembly as well as Gov. J.B. Pritzker for supporting this measure, which will reduce hunger and support local businesses.”
About Post Author
