If you’re a SNAP recipient, you may have access to a unique benefit known as the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program, available in select states, allows certain SNAP beneficiaries to use their benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals from participating restaurants.
Here’s a guide to who qualifies, how it works, and where it’s available.
What is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program is a special feature of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that enables certain individuals to buy meals at participating restaurants using their EBT card.
This program was established to help those who may not have the ability to prepare meals at home due to homelessness, age, or disability.
For qualifying individuals, RMP is a significant benefit, as it provides access to prepared meals that don’t require a kitchen to cook or store. This can be a critical option for people facing housing instability or those who lack a stable place to prepare their own food.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program?
RMP is not available to all SNAP recipients. Specific eligibility requirements must be met:
- You Must Be a SNAP Recipient: Only certified SNAP recipients in states that offer the program can participate.
- Inability to Prepare Meals: This includes those who are homeless, elderly, or have a disability that prevents them from preparing food at home.
- Household Member Requirements: All household members must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Aged 60 or older: Elderly recipients qualify for RMP if their state participates.
- Living with a disability: Those receiving disability or blindness benefits from a government agency are eligible.
- Homeless: Individuals experiencing homelessness are eligible for RMP if they meet SNAP qualifications.
- Spouse of a Qualifying Individual: If your spouse meets any of the above conditions, you are also eligible for RMP.
These requirements help ensure that RMP benefits are directed toward those who truly need access to prepared meals.
States Participating in the Restaurant Meals Program
As of now, RMP is only available in select states. Each state must opt into the program and set up a system for authorized restaurants to accept SNAP benefits. Here is a list of states that currently participate in the Restaurant Meals Program:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
If you live in one of these states and meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to use your SNAP benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat meals from approved restaurants.
What Types of Restaurants Participate in RMP?
Participating restaurants must be approved by both the state and the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
This approval ensures that only verified establishments can accept SNAP benefits for prepared meals. To participate, restaurants must:
- Be located in a state with an RMP program.
- Sign an agreement with the state and the Food and Nutrition Service.
- Obtain authorization from FNS to accept SNAP benefits.
If you’re a restaurant owner in one of these states, applying to join the program could open up additional opportunities for your business while supporting community members in need.
Other SNAP Benefits
Besides the Restaurant Meals Program, SNAP offers other perks that can support recipients’ financial well-being. These include:
- Discounts on Museums and Cultural Centers: Many museums and cultural sites offer reduced admission fees for SNAP recipients.
- Low-Cost Internet Programs: SNAP recipients may qualify for discounts on internet services from select providers.
- Monthly Food Allowance: After the 2025 COLA adjustment, the maximum benefit for a single individual is $292, with an average payment around $199 per month, as estimated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
The Restaurant Meals Program is a valuable resource for SNAP recipients who qualify. Available in select states, RMP is specifically designed to help those who are homeless, elderly, or disabled and who may struggle with preparing meals at home.
If you live in one of the participating states and meet the criteria, this program can make accessing nutritious, prepared food easier.
For further details on participating restaurants or specific state guidelines, check with your state’s SNAP office or visit the USDA’s official website.
