What States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?

Wondering what states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program? This lesser-known facet of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was relatively rare a few years ago but over the last few years, it has grown substantially.

This article delves into the intricacies of the RMP, highlighting the states that participate in this program and exploring its significant impact on vulnerable populations.

What is the Restaurant Meals Program?

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) stands as a special provision within the broad umbrella of SNAP. Initially established to address the needs of those who might not have the means or ability to store and prepare food, the RMP represents a critical step towards inclusive food assistance.

This program plays a crucial role in extending food assistance beyond traditional grocery shopping. Designed to cater specifically to SNAP recipients who face challenges in preparing meals at home, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless, the RMP offers a unique solution. It allows these individuals to use their SNAP benefits at approved restaurants, expanding their access to nutritious meals.

History & Objectives

The Restaurant Meals Program originated as a response to the realization that certain groups of SNAP beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, disabled, and homeless, often struggled with meal preparation. Homeless people don’t even have the ability to store food safely, making traditional grocery shopping burdensome, wasteful and sometimes even dangerous.

This program aims to ensure that these individuals have access to prepared meals, acknowledging the diverse needs within the SNAP community.

Eligibility

Primarily, the Restaurant Meals Program serves three groups:

1. Elderly: Individuals aged 60 and above who may find cooking and meal preparation challenging.
2. Disabled: Those with physical or mental disabilities that impede their ability to prepare meals. To be considered disabled under the Restaurant Meals Program, you usually need to receive disability benefits from a government program like Social Security or the VA.
3. Homeless: Individuals without a stable living environment, making meal preparation impractical.

In most states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, the household can only buy restaurant meals if every member of the household meets at least one of those criteria or is married to someone who meets that criteria.

How It Works

Under the Restaurant Meals Program, eligible SNAP recipients can use their EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. This arrangement significantly differs from the standard SNAP rules, which typically restrict purchases to unprepared food items at grocery stores.

However, EBT shoppers still cannot purchase alcohol or non-food items from restaurants with their EBT cards. The restaurants also cannot charge sales tax or gratuities to EBT users.

Flexibility

The federal United States government authorized the Restaurant Meals Program in the 1977 Food Stamps Act. However, states can decide for themselves whether or not they want to implement this program. Basically, the federal government said that states could offer this program, not that they have to do so.

Not every state will participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Several do, but others have chosen not to offer it. There are several reasons why a state might refuse to participate, including increased cost, extra paperwork, and the overall burden that the program creates.

This is why some states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program but not others.

Why Do States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?

The decision for states to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is influenced by a variety of factors. This program, while offering significant benefits, also comes with its set of challenges.

Understanding the pros and cons of state participation in RMP can shed light on why some states choose to adopt this program while others may hesitate. It’s a balance between the desire to extend food accessibility to vulnerable populations and managing the practical implications of implementing such a program.

Benefits of the Restaurant Meals Program

The advantages of participating in the RMP are substantial, primarily focusing on the welfare of specific groups within the SNAP beneficiary community. These benefits not only address the immediate nutritional needs of these individuals but also contribute positively to the broader community and local economies. Here are some key pros that encourage states to participate in the RMP:

• Increased Access to Food for Vulnerable Populations: States that participate in the RMP provide essential food access to elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals who may have difficulty preparing meals.
• Enhanced Nutritional Options: The program expands dietary choices for SNAP recipients, allowing them to consume hot, prepared meals which might be more nutritious than what they could prepare on their own.
• Support for Local Businesses: Allowing restaurants to accept EBT can boost local economies by bringing additional customers to local eateries.
• Social Inclusion: The RMP helps integrate vulnerable populations into society, providing them with more opportunities to dine in public settings, which can be socially and psychologically beneficial.

Drawbacks of the Restaurant Meals Program

On the flip side, there are several challenges and drawbacks that states must consider before deciding to participate in the RMP. These cons primarily revolve around the practicalities of implementation, potential for misuse, and financial implications. Understanding these downsides is crucial for states to make an informed decision about their involvement in the RMP:

• Administrative Complexity and Cost: Implementing and managing the RMP requires additional administrative efforts and resources, which can be a challenge for state agencies.
• Potential for Abuse or Misuse: There’s a risk that the program might be misused, with benefits being spent on less nutritious food options, contrary to the primary goals of SNAP.
• Limited Participation by Restaurants: Not all restaurants may choose to participate in the RMP, which can limit the accessibility and effectiveness of the program in certain areas.
• Budgetary Constraints: States may face budgetary constraints that make it difficult to support the expansion of SNAP benefits to include restaurant meals, especially considering the potential increase in SNAP redemption rates.

Which States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?

A critical aspect of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is its adoption by individual states across the United States. The decision to participate in the RMP varies from state to state, influenced by a range of factors from policy priorities to budgetary considerations.

This section provides a detailed overview of the states that have chosen to implement the RMP, offering insights into the geographical spread and diversity of the program’s reach. Understanding which states are involved in the RMP not only helps to gauge the program’s impact but also illustrates the varied approaches to addressing food insecurity among the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

The states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program are:

• Arizona
• California
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Hawaii (Inactive)
• Nevada (Inactive)

Arizona

Arizona initiated its participation in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in September 2007, marking it as one of the earliest states to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. This early involvement has contributed to the well-established nature of Arizona’s RMP. There are now over 500 restaurants accepting EBT in Arizona.

Tasya Peterson, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, explained the rationale behind the state’s decision: “Arizona implemented the Restaurant Meals Program in September 2007 as a federally approved option in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, known as Nutrition Assistance in Arizona) to increase access to nutritious meals for those who face challenges in preparing and storing food. This option allows households in which all members are disabled, elderly (age 60 and over), or homeless and receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP, called Nutrition Assistance in Arizona) benefits to purchase meals from participating restaurants and retailers. DES elected to implement this option because many of these SNAP households are limited in their ability to prepare hot, nutritious meals for themselves, or, in the case of households who are homeless, do not have a place to store and cook food.”

To participate in the RMP, restaurants must agree to terms with the Arizona Department of Economic Security and obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA – FNS). Arizona’s EBT system is designed to ensure that only cards belonging to households eligible for the RMP can be used at certified restaurants.

Despite periodic attempts by state lawmakers to end this program, it remains active and continues to serve eligible SNAP recipients in Arizona.

California

California was the first state to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. The program was initially established in 1978 to assist older adults and people with disabilities who receive SNAP benefits, offering them the option to purchase prepared food at authorized restaurants. In 1996, this program was expanded to include SNAP recipients who are homeless.

The RMP in California began as a pilot program in the early 2000s, specifically in San Francisco County. Over time, it expanded to include 18 counties across the state.

A significant milestone occurred on October 12, 2019, when Assembly Bill (AB) 942 mandated the implementation of the RMP as a statewide program. This expansion meant that restaurant vendors federally approved could participate in the RMP across all 58 counties in California. As of September 1, 2021, the RMP became a statewide program, signaling a substantial increase in the program’s reach and accessibility.

This expansion reflects California’s commitment to providing greater access to nutritious meals for those who may face barriers in preparing and storing food, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and the homeless. The statewide implementation of the RMP in California represents a significant step in addressing food insecurity and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

The program now includes over 3,000 participating restaurants in California, indicating its widespread acceptance and utility within the state.

Hawaii (Inactive)

Hawaii’s implementation of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is outlined in Section 17-610-5 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules, which indeed has been amended several times since its initial authorization. The law, effective from March 19, 1993, and amended on April 1, 1996, and again on June 24, 2013, specifies the structure and guidelines of the RMP in the state.

Participating restaurants in Hawaii are required to sign an agreement with the state, committing to abide by certain rules that benefit both the recipients and the SNAP program. These rules are monitored by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Importantly, the restaurants have the discretion to set specific hours during which meals can be purchased with food stamps, or they can opt to accept them throughout the day.

However, despite these established rules, there seems to be limited information on the current status and active participation of restaurants in Hawaii’s RMP. The USDA does not list Hawaii among the states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, either. This lack of detailed public information on the active implementation and participation in the program might suggest that the program is not active in Hawaii, although the legal framework is in place.

Illinois

Illinois is one of the newest states to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. This state initiated its participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in the spring of 2022. The program is designed to allow specific qualifying SNAP households to use their benefits to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants. This initiative primarily targets SNAP recipients who are elderly, disabled, and/or homeless, including their spouses.

The program initially focused on select areas in Illinois, including Dewitt County, Franklin County, and certain zip codes in Cook County (60619, 60620, 60628, and 60617). Restaurants in these areas were eligible to apply for participation in the RMP, provided they met specific criteria set by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Assistance Services (FNS).

Key requirements for restaurants wishing to participate in the program include compliance with USDA SNAP acceptance and redemption rules, maintaining current public health operating permits and general liability insurance, and installation of EBT equipment and/or software from an EBT certified processor. Additionally, participating restaurants are expected to offer low-cost meal options, refrain from charging sales or meals tax on eligible SNAP purchases, and not accept SNAP benefits for non-food items like alcoholic beverages.

Restaurants selected to participate in the RMP are required to display the program’s logo, informing the public of their participation. The IDHS plans to evaluate and potentially expand the program after an initial pilot phase, aiming to include more restaurants and potentially broader geographic coverage.

For SNAP recipients, no separate application is needed to utilize the RMP. Their existing EBT Link Cards automatically qualify for use at authorized restaurants. However, the program does not increase the monthly benefit amount; it merely provides an additional option for where and how SNAP benefits can be used.

There are many restaurants that accept EBT in Illinois. For a full list, please check our Illinois Restaurant Meals Program guide.

Maryland

Maryland’s implementation of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) offers eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients the option to use their Independence (EBT) card for purchasing prepared or hot meals from participating restaurants. The program is tailored for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, those aged 60 or older, and disabled SNAP recipients. This includes the spouses of the elderly or disabled individuals if they are the only participants on the SNAP case.

The program is currently in a pilot phase in specific counties in Maryland, with an active search for more restaurants to participate. Some of the participating restaurants include various Burger King locations and other establishments like CR Wings in Bel Air. You can find a full list of participating restaurants in our Maryland Restaurant Meals Program guide.

SNAP households experiencing homelessness can also utilize their EBT benefits to purchase meals at a concessional price from these participating restaurants.

The eligibility of SNAP recipients to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program is reviewed at every redetermination. A recipient determined ineligible at their next recertification cannot use an EBT card to buy prepared food at restaurants. The program does not increase the benefit amount but allows eligible recipients the option of using their SNAP benefits at participating restaurants. No tax is charged on meals purchased under this program, and SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages or non-food items.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is another one of the most recent states to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. They accepted applications from the first round of restaurants and food trucks to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program in August 2022. At that point, the application period closed so that the state could process that paperwork.

This program specifically caters to older adults (age 60 and over), homeless individuals, and people with disabilities, enabling them to buy food using their SNAP EBT card at participating establishments.

The list of approved restaurants and food trucks for the Massachusetts RMP includes a variety of eateries across the Commonwealth. These establishments have been selected to participate in the program, although they are still subject to federal approval. There are a list of current and upcoming restaurants available in our Massachusetts Restaurant Meals Program guide.

The program reflects Massachusetts’ commitment to providing food access to vulnerable populations, offering them the flexibility to purchase meals outside of traditional grocery stores.

Michigan

Michigan announced in December 2020 that they would once again join the states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program! The state has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the RMP over the years so it’s not clear how long this implementation will last.

In the latest Memorandum of Understanding that Michigan requires restauranters to to sign, we can find some insight into the program. Some of the interesting tidbits are that participating restaurants must offer low-cost or discount meals to EBT users. The restaurants also cannot charge sales tax or service gratuities for meals purchased with food benefits.

You can find a list of participating restaurants in our Michigan Restaurant Meals Program guide.

Nevada (Inactive)

Nevada’s Division of Welfare and Supportive Services has one mention of the Restaurant Meals Program on their website. However, they do not offer any additional information and the USDA does not list Nevada as a state that offers this service, so it appears that Nevada should not be counted among the states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program at this time.

New York

New York is making progress toward joining the list of states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Their foray into the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) began with the stroke of a pen on October 4, 2021, when Governor Hochul signed pivotal legislation. This momentous act set in motion the state’s journey towards participation in the RMP, aimed at enhancing access to food options for those in need.

The road to implementing such a program can be a lengthy one. In January 2023, the Low Income Relief team was informed via email that the state was still working with the federal government to develop the program. These discussions revolved around shaping the design and meeting the necessary requirements for the Restaurant Meals Program. The state was also in the process of securing the essential agreements and authorities required to operate this program, marking the early stages of its development.

Fast forward to 2024, and New York has made significant strides in bringing the Restaurant Meals Program to fruition. What sets New York’s program apart is an appealing feature: eligible users can enjoy a 10% discount on their restaurant meals. This innovation aims to make dining out more affordable for those utilizing the program.

To kickstart the RMP, New York initiated a pilot test in Rochester, focusing on restaurants already engaged with government agencies and situated in areas with a substantial population of RMP-eligible customers. The success of this pilot program will pave the way for expansion into other areas within Monroe County. Following the completion of this crucial testing phase, the state will craft a comprehensive plan to roll out the program statewide, ensuring that a wider range of individuals can benefit from this initiative.

For the latest list of restaurants that can accept EBT in New York, be sure to check out our restaurant list.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island made an early commitment to the Restaurant Meals Program way back in 2011. The program’s journey in the state commenced with a modest five-store pilot initiative in Providence. In this initial phase, five Subway chains received approval to process food stamps payments. This strategic choice was based on the fact that approximately half of the state’s eligible food stamp recipients resided in Providence, making it a logical starting point for the program’s implementation.

Over the years, Rhode Island’s participation in the Restaurant Meals Program has grown significantly. As of 2023, there are now a total of 10 participating Subway locations across various cities in the state. This expansion reflects the program’s success and its ability to provide eligible individuals with increased access to restaurant options. In addition to Subway, other restaurants have also joined the program, further enriching the dining choices available to program beneficiaries in Rhode Island.

You can find the list of participating restaurants in our database of restaurants that accept EBT.

Virginia

Virginia has been among the states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program for a while but their program is growing slowly. In Virginia, the RMP provides an avenue for eligible individuals to access restaurant meals using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, offering a convenient option for those in need.

While the program is available in the state, it’s noteworthy that Virginia’s RMP currently features a relatively limited selection of participating restaurants. As of the latest information available, there are only three restaurants in Virginia that accept EBT for restaurant meals, and all three of them are Subway locations. These Subway establishments are situated in Newport News, ensuring that residents in that area have access to this valuable program.

This limited number of participating restaurants underscores the potential for further expansion and collaboration with additional eateries in the future. The presence of the RMP in Virginia, even in its current form, provides a crucial lifeline for eligible individuals, offering them the opportunity to enjoy restaurant meals when needed, enhancing their access to hot and nutritious food options.

Relief Recap

The answer to “What States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?” is surprisingly few. Only Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia currently have active Restaurant Meals Programs. It’s worth noting that Hawaii and Nevada, while listed, have inactive programs at the moment. These states are at the forefront of providing accessible dining options for individuals and families in need, ensuring that restaurant meals are within reach for those utilizing food assistance programs.

Low Income Relief Team

This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.