Do You Qualify For The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) limits its beneficiaries to buying food items to be prepared or eaten at home. It doesn’t cover the purchase of hot food at the point of sale, even when bought from a SNAP-approved store. Therefore, beneficiaries cannot purchase restaurant meals like ready-to-eat soup, rotisserie chicken, and pre-cooked pizza slices with EBT SNAP cards.

However, through the Restaurant Meals Program, some SNAP beneficiaries, especially those who cannot make their meals or lack permanent housing, can prepare or store food and purchase meals from authorized restaurants. You need to know several aspects to take advantage of this program. Keep reading to learn more.

What is the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program?

The SNAP restaurant meals program, or RMP, is a unique program that allows particular SNAP beneficiaries to purchase ready-made meals from authorized restaurants using their EBT cards. This state-run program is currently available in only seven states: Arizona, California, Virginia, Illinois, Michigan, Rhode Island, and New York.

To be eligible, participating states must demonstrate to the USDA that some of their SNAP beneficiaries are not well-served by the program. These states also establish their selection criteria for restaurants intending to participate in the program.

How Do I Qualify for the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program?

To be eligible for the SNAP Restaurant Meal Program, you must reside in one of the seven states that run this program. You should also meet one of the following criteria:\
 

• Be an elderly (60 years old or older)
• Are disabled
• Homeless
• You’re a spouse of a SNAP client eligible for the RMP

To sign up for this program, contact local or state SNAP offices. You can use the SNAP State Directory of Resources to locate your local SNAP office.

How Do I Purchase a Hot Meal Through the SNAP Restaurant Meal Program?

You should have your active EBT card and PIN to purchase a hot meal through the RMP. You will then swipe the card at the point of sale or have the cashier swipe it for you, similar to how you use it in a grocery store.

Please note that participating states provide an EBT card with a unique code that allows participating restaurants to accept it. On the other hand, participating restaurants should have a point-of-sale (POS) programmed to accept the EBT cards. Therefore, your EBT card will be automatically declined when used if you’re a non-eligible SNAP beneficiary. 

You should also note that the participating restaurants offer their meals at a discounted price and should not charge service gratuity or sales tax.

Which Restaurants Offer SNAP Restaurant Meal Program?

Most popular restaurant chains in states offering RMP accept SNAP EBT. Some of these restaurants include:
 

• Dairy Queen
• Burger King
• Blimpie
• Jamba Juice
• Golden Corral
• KFC
• Denny’s
• Subway
• Wendy’s
• Taco Bell
• Popeye’s
• Quiznos
• Pizza Hut

You can identify a participating restaurant through prominently displayed signage indicating “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurants Meals Program.” Otherwise, you can call your local SNAP office to get a comprehensive list of all participating restaurants.

Please note that if you’re a restaurant owner ready to participate in the SNAP RMP program, you must complete an FNS 252-2 application form for Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approval.

The SNAP Restaurant Meal Program efficiently and easily allows eligible SNAP beneficiaries without the ability to prepare or store food items to access hot meals. However, it’s crucial for anyone who meets the requirements stated above to apply for this special program and have their EBT cards coded to work in authorized restaurants within the participating states.

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Want to learn more about SNAP benefits? Check out these articles:

• What SNAP Recipients Need To Know About Walmart+ Assist
• Significant SNAP Changes in 2024: What You Need to Know
• Expanding the Benefits of SNAP: Surprising Discounts Your EBT Card Covers