CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Two Heartland restaurants are helping community members access meals through pay-it-forward programs that allow customers to cover costs for those who cannot afford to eat out.

Amy Franklin, who owns Cheesecake Ninja in Jackson with her husband, said the couple started their program after experiencing financial hardship themselves.

“We were married, both gainfully employed, homeowners, and just like that, overnight, due to a medical situation that we had no control of, suddenly we were needing Medicaid and needing food help and assistance,” she said.

Now, the Franklins are paying it forward, and encourage the community to do the same.

The Franklins designed their program to allow recipients to choose from the full menu rather than limiting options.

“All of

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