NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8764a
SPONSOR: Reyes TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to establishing a
statewide restaurant meals program as part of the supplemental nutrition
assistance program
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To ensure that homeless, elderly and disabled SNAP recipients are able
to use their benefits for hot or prepared meals at participating grocery
stores, delis and restaurants.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 establishes a new Subdivision 11 of Section 95 of the Social
Services Law. Subdivision A mandates that the NYS Office of Temporary
and Disability Assistance establishes a Restaurant Meals. Program, in
accordance with the guidelines set at the federal level to allow the
elderly, disabled, their spouses, and the homeless to use SNAP benefits
for the purchase of hot or prepared foods from participating restau-
rants, delis, and grocery stores. Subdivision El allows the NYS Office
of Temporary and Disability Assistance to promulgate rules and regu-
lations to assist in implementing the program.
Section 2 establishes the effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
-This bill adds the word "statewide" before the restaurant meals
program,* to denote that the stay should file an application for there
to be a statewide program to be considered by the federal government.
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently in New York State, SNAP recipients cannot use their benefits
to purchase prepared foods- This policy prevents many populations that
are unable to have access to cooking or food preparation on their own
and for their families from fully utilizing their benefits to provide
them with food. This issue primarily affects the homeless, disabled and
elderly populations.
This bill mandates that New York State enters into the federal Restau-
rant Meals Program, which allows homeless, elderly and disabled SNAP
recipients to use their benefits for prepared or hot food from partic-
ipating restaurants, delis and grocery stores at reduced prices. This
will ensure that those who are in the most need in our state, can use
their benefits and get access to food.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Takes effect on the first of January of the following calendar year.
