Michigan to allow thousands on food aid to go to restaurants

LANSING » Michigan residents who receive food assistance from the state can use their benefits at restaurants, officials said Tuesday.

The program could give a boost to restaurants that are prohibited from offering indoor dining because of coronavirus restrictions imposed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.

More than 300,000 people will soon be able to use their Bridge Card to buy discounted meals at restaurants, including 1,200 people who are experiencing homelessness, the health department said.

Those eligible include people over 60 and people with a disability. Restaurants first must enroll with the department, which will publish an online list.

“No Michigander should worry about how to put food on the table for themselves and their families, especially during a pandemic,” Whitmer said. “This partnership with our restaurants will ensure people across the state have the support they need this winter.”