With the introduction of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), SNAP-eligible consumers will now be able to use their EBT cards to purchase prepared meals from approved eateries.
This service aims to help people who can’t cook for themselves or don’t have a place to store and prepare food permanently.
Access To SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Varies
It is crucial to remember that the RMP differs from state to state and is not always accessible. Let’s look at the states that have decided to take part in this program.
Older people only need their active EBT card and private PIN (personal identifying number) to make a hot meal purchase through the RMP.
Beneficiaries may occasionally be able to purchase hot, prepared food from the deli areas of eligible grocery shops in addition to receiving meals at reduced prices from partner eateries.
Seven American states have chosen to take part in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program as of right now. Arizona and California are two of these states that provide many RMP choices.
The program is only available in a few cities or counties in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Read more: SNAP Benefits 2023: Altered Eligibility Criteria In Light Of The Debt Ceiling Agreement
POS System Requirement for Participating Restaurants
The ability to apply for participation in the program gives New York’s state social services organizations the freedom to carry out the RMP at the local level.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be convinced by states that specific populations in those states are not adequately serviced by regular SNAP benefits in order for such states to be allowed to take part in the SNAP restaurant meals program.
Each state is free to set its own requirements for including eateries in its RMP. As a general rule, eateries that want to participate must adhere to the conditions.
Restaurants must have a point-of-sale (POS) system that can accept EBT cards in order to accept SNAP EBT payments.
Read more: California EBT Cards: Restaurant Eligibility For CalFresh Benefits