Lawmaker pushes for Restaurant Meals program bill and clarity from Public Health

A follow-up letter from Senator Shelly Calvo to the Department of Public Health and Social Services signals ongoing momentum for a bill that could bring hot meal options to Guam's most vulnerable communities.

Following a public hearing on Bill 78-38, which seeks to implement the restaurant meals program for snap participants, Sen. Calvo is calling for closer collaboration with DPHSS.

In a letter sent to Director Theresa Arriola, Calvo requested detailed information on program costs, EBT system upgrades, and vendor compliance.

The health department estimates initial rollout costs at over $470,000, but Calvo says the lack of specifics warrants further discussion.

She's proposing working sessions to clarify the bill’s long-term sustainability and reaffirms her commitment to defending the bill when it hits the session floor next month.