2021 DPSS Annual Report Online_FINAL

Annual Report 2020/2021

Self- Sufficiency

Meals Program Services Riverside County Residents & Restaurants

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) expands access and options for vulnerable individuals looking for a hot, nutritious meal. The program also provides support to restaurants wanting to keep their doors open and staff employed. CalFresh customers who are age 60 or older, live with disabilities and/or are homeless qualify for the program, which allows eligible customers to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants. Throughout the pandemic, restauranteurs have served up meals by delivery and curbside to keep their local residents fed. The Fish Hut Market in Hemet is one of nearly 250 restaurants that currently participate. Owners Tawana Dunnigan and Latoya Dortch opened their restaurant in

late 2019, only to see it shut down a few months later during the statewide COVID-19 public health orders. In May 2021, Fish Hut joined the Restaurant Meals Program. “Many of our customers are homeless. We’re heavily invested in the community and are excited to welcome people back to The Fish Hut,” said Dortch. “We think the Restaurant Meals Program can assist customers in need while helping our business stay afloat.” Between December 2020 and July 2021, the program added nearly 1,300 eligible customers to boost enrollment to 66,751. CalFresh spending in the restaurant program almost doubled at participating restaurants, while participation in the program grew by 38 Riverside County restaurants.

Restaurant owners Tawana Dunnigan and Latoya Dortch stand in front of their restaurant, The Fish Hut. They joined the Restaurant Meals Program in May 2021 and credit the program to keeping their business afloat during the pandemic.

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