STAFFORD, VA — Stafford County is launching a new project to provide meals from the county's restaurants to SNAP recipients in the area. The project is part of the Stafford Cares program, which is paid for by a grant from a Community Development Block Grant from the state.

This project, facilitated by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, is the first of several planned programs to aid Stafford residents and businesses, according to a news release. The programs are designed to help the community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing impacts from mental health, physical health, and financial stability.

The first Stafford Cares program was designed to benefit Stafford restaurants and families in need, the county's website says. The restaurants will receive an influx of customers and sales, as they recover from the economic difficulties brought by the pandemic. The program also addresses the food insecurity for families who receive SNAP benefits.

Erik Johnston is the agency director for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. "This project supports urgent needs, specifically for SNAP recipient families," he said in a news release.

The program also cites indirect benefits, such as workforce retention and an increase in tax revenue for the county. The county's website states that additional tax revenues will support Stafford County Public Schools.

"This program injects working capital into our distressed local restaurants and supports our community by providing meals to disadvantaged families," said John Holden, director of the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

To participate in the Stafford Cares program, restaurants in the county can fill out an application online. The website will stop accepting application on March 8, or when 100 applications have been approved, whichever comes first.