Some of Fresno County's elderly, disabled and homeless residents may soon be using food stamps to pay for restaurant meals, raising concerns that the money will go for unhealthy fast food.
The county Department of Social Services is working on a plan for the Board of Supervisors to consider Feb. 8. Under the restaurant-meals plan, people physically unable to fix their own meals and those without kitchens could redeem their food-stamp benefits at restaurants.
Currently, food stamps -- which now are provided electronically -- only can be used for food at grocery stores or at some corner and convenience stores and farmers markets.
County officials estimate about 14,000 food-stamp recipients out of about 196,500 could qualify for the program.
The aim is to give qualified food-stamp recipients "access to a hot meal or a more healthy meal," said Steve Rodriguez, deputy director of the county's social services department.
Read the complete story at fresnobee.com