SNAP, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps eligible people buy food. It was once called the Food Stamps program.
After a 2025 increase, eligible individuals can receive up to $292 per month. SNAP also offers other benefits, including discounts on museum tickets and sometimes even on internet bills.
SNAP and the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a special benefit under SNAP. It allows some people to use their SNAP benefits to buy meals at participating restaurants. However, there are certain rules about who can take advantage of this benefit.
Who Can Use the RMP?
To use the Restaurant Meals Program, you must meet some specific conditions:
- You are a SNAP recipient.
- You either cannot cook at home, or you don’t have a permanent home where you can store or prepare food.
Additionally, each person in the household must meet one of these conditions:
- They are 60 years old or older.
- They have a disability and get government payments for it.
- They are the spouse of a SNAP recipient who qualifies for RMP.
- They are experiencing homelessness.
States with RMP Participation
The Restaurant Meals Program is not available in every state. Only certain states offer it. Here are the states where you can use the RMP:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
How Can Restaurants Join the RMP?
If you own a restaurant in one of these states, you can also participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. To join, you need to:
- Be in a state with the RMP.
- Get approval from the state and sign an agreement with the Food and Nutrition Service.
- Be authorized by the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits.
SNAP provides essential help for those in need, and the Restaurant Meals Program makes it easier for eligible people to eat out at participating restaurants.
If you qualify, you can use your SNAP benefits to enjoy a meal even when you are unable to cook at home.
1. What is the SNAP Program?
The SNAP program helps low-income individuals buy food. It offers monthly payments to eligible people, with an increase expected in 2025.
2. What is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The RMP lets some SNAP recipients use their benefits at certain restaurants, making it easier for people who can’t cook at home.
3. Who can use the Restaurant Meals Program?
People who can’t cook or don’t have a permanent home can use RMP if they meet other requirements, such as being elderly, disabled, or homeless.
4. Which states have the Restaurant Meals Program?
The states with the RMP are Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
5. How can a restaurant participate in the RMP?
Restaurants need to get approval from the state and sign an agreement with the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits.
