Cocina Lupita in Greenfield accepting SNAP benefits as part of state pilot program

Aleyda Romero, co-owner of Cocina Lupito, serves customers in the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Aleyda Romero, co-owner of Cocina Lupita, with a plate of tacos at the business’ location in the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Cocina Lupita’s location in the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By MARY BYRNE

Staff Writer

Published: 12-28-2023 10:11 AM

GREENFIELD — Under a new pilot program, certain restaurants and food trucks in Massachusetts, including one in Greenfield, can accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are typically reserved for grocery items.

As of this month, Cocina Lupita is among the 27 restaurants selected to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, which will allow individuals with disabilities, households with older adults ages 60 and up, and individuals who are homeless to use their SNAP benefits at participating restaurants and food trucks.

“For those communities, it can be really difficult for them to cook a meal or get to a grocery store and shop,” explained Cocina Lupita co-owner Josh Breitner. “So just the fact they can buy a hot, ready-to-eat meal with their benefits, I would imagine would be a really nice opportunity for those folks.”

Other participating western Massachusetts restaurants and food trucks include Cedar’s Food Mart and MexiRico in Springfield, and Crave in Holyoke. According to the state Department of Transitional Assistance, eligible businesses in the pilot phase of the program include restaurants and food trucks that are local and privately owned and provide counter-based service and payment.

Of the selected local businesses, 77% are women-owned and 90% have owners who identify as Black, Asian and/or Hispanic. The average meal price is $11.

Cocina Lupita, co-owned by husband and wife Aleyda Romero and Efraen Fuentes — originally of El Salvador — and Joshua Breitner, first opened as a food truck in July 2021 in the parking lot of the former Wilson’s Department Store. That winter, the business moved into the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center where it continues to operate.

Breitner said the application took the better part of a year to complete — an endeavor he felt was worth it to expand access to the restaurant in Hawks & Reed.

“It seemed like a great way to serve the community and a great way to open ourselves up to a different kind of customer base,” he said.

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