Food Stamps in “restaurants” — Good idea or bad idea?
[Image from LA Eastide]
Did you know that in L.A. County, certain “restaurants” accept food stamps? It is part of their Restaurant Meals Program that has been running since 2005.
For those that don’t know, food stamps (aka EBT) is generally only allowed for food products that must be prepared. So allowing benefits to be used at restaurants is a pretty radical shift in the program’s scope.
I put the word “restaurants” in quotation marks above because the participating restaurants in the program are almost all fast food chains — Domino’s, Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco, and Subway are the most prevalent participants.
At first glance, I found the program to be pretty ridiculous. Since the only options were unhealthy foods, what good does this program do aside from promoting obesity? However, my opinion changed slightly after I read their FAQ.
The Restaurant Meals Program is only available to the homeless, disabled, and elderly (over 60). For these groups, cooking is difficult if not impossible. So even with food stamps, their options are limited and usually unhealthy. I mean, what can someone experiencing homelessness buy at a grocery store that will be warm and nutritious?
So while eating pizza is not ideal , if it’s the only option for someone to be able to get a hot meal, then I understand.
I still think that some healthier, affordable restaurants need to get on the program but I’m less critical of it now that I know all the facts.
I agree with you. I was appalled when I began reading this post and was ready to take arms! But you’re right that these specific groups are unique in their needs and limitations.
El Pollo Loco IS a healthful option with grilled chicken, salads, fresh steamed vegetables, fresh salsas, and more.
Hi Lynne,
Being originally from the East Coast, I’ve never been to an El Pollo Loco. I just read their Wikipedia page which listed them as a fast food restaurant and I saw that they sold fried chicken.
In doing a bit more research, I see that they do have some pretty healthy items on their menu. Thanks for the correction!
But overall, you can’t deny that Jack in the Box and Domino’s is far from healthy :)
I think it is great to let people choose what they want to eat. If we think people shouldn’t eat unhealthy food served at fast food restaurants, we should require restaurants to serve healthy food rather than limiting the options of people using food programs.
These kinds of comments sound very judgmental and very god like! Who are you people to decide what another person should eat or shouldn’t eat? I have been homeless and how dare anyone put their self in a position where you think you should decide for someone else what they should and shouldn’t be able to eat. So what if they are useing EBT to feed themselves or their families. Who made anyone God of EBT?
While fast food is generally overstated in unhealthy foods, we all must agree that they are comming around to offering a healthy veriety of “Heart Healthy” type foods. I know first hand that Jack-in-the-Box is offering these on their “ANY-TIME” menu. They include FRESH made Daily salads(with optional low calorie dressings) and fresh grilled chicken. How can this be disturbing to anyone? And if you are in this group of people with limited $,(EBT-food stamps) then yes 2 tacos for .99c is gotta help these people make it in this world. But you have to ask yourself……who are you to judge another persons individuality, their wants and desires, or their menu? Live and Let Live I say. We are ALL going to die, some early, some late…….you going to play GOD? Or will we let people enjoy what they like to eat? There is enough information out there, people know when they are eating healthy, some desire unhealthy just for the taste. After all I’ve pesonaly NEVER met anyone who could turn down their favorite unhealthy desserts when they wanted it! Really wanted it. Besides who knows, you could be hit by a bus tommarrow.
Thanks for everyone’s opinions on this post!
As I said, I am overall in favor of this program. I think that hot-meal options are important for those who aren’t able to cook for themselves.
That said, legislation to promote healthy eating is common. It would be inaccurate to call it “playing god”. It already occurs through legislation forcing companies to list calories on menus and through increasing taxes on soda and candy.
Even in the more specific realm of EBT, there are limits on what can be purchased with food stamps. Non-food items and hot meals can’t be purchased (which is what makes this particular program so unique).
Fantastic Info! But I’m having some trouble attempting to load your blog. I have learn it several occasions ahead of and never gotten anything like this, but now when I seek to load some thing it just takes slightly though (5-10 minutes ) and then just stops. I hope i never have spyware or some thing. Does everyone know what the dilemma could possibly be?
Gary,
Sorry you’re having problems viewing our blog. You may want to try a different browser or restarting your computer. Thanks for reading!
Madeline at United Way of King County
What a travesty, Jack in the Box taking Food Stamps, when the unemployed are very often denied food stamps for groceries. The DSS really made a mistake on this one, and Jack in the Box appears very greedy to be taking taxpayer money for Food Stamps, not for groceried, but “fast food”! Dss is getting a letter from me.
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