San Diego Launches 'Great Plates Delivered' State-Funded Program To Connect Local Restaurants With At-Risk Seniors

May 7, 2020

The County of San Diego has launched the Great Plates Delivered program, a state-funded initiative aimed at connecting struggling local restaurants to high-risk seniors to encourage staying at home by arranging delivery of three nutritious meals a day.

On April 25, California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed his plans for a statewide initiative now named Great Plates Delivered. The dual purpose of the program is to provide meals to adults 65 and older and adults 60-64 who are at high-risk, while supporting local restaurants and other food provider/agricultural workers who have closed or are struggling to remain open due to COVID-19 mitigation measures. The program runs through June 10, 2020, per The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) current approval. An extension is possible.

San Diego County has released a process for interested restaurants, caterers, and other food suppliers to apply by completing an online survey formThe process will require food provides to submit documentation like a W-9, a sample menu, and specific certification forms. Those chosen will provide three meals a day to designated at-risk seniors. There are several factors that will affect selection, including value provided to the County, the ability to meet volume and nutritional standards, sourcing of local food, prioritization of local jobs, worker retention, and others. Food service providers will also be required to show proof of background checks for any employees delivering meals as part of this program, upon request. Food service providers already participating in a State or federal meal service program are not eligible to participate. Chosen eateries will receive $66 for providing the three daily meals, inclusive of delivery.

Learn more by reviewing California's Great Plates Delivered Program Guidance document, copied below for your convenience, and restaurants can apply to participate here.