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SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
Under 7 USC 2012(k), states can operate the "Restaurant Meals Program" (RMP) — letting homeless, 60+, and disabled individuals use SNAP/EBT at participating restaurants to buy hot prepared meals. 9 states participate in FY26.
1. What is RMP?
- Optional federal SNAP program. Allows using EBT at RESTAURANTS (not just grocery stores).
- Under 7 USC 2012(k) and 7 CFR 278.3
- Useful for people without kitchen access (homeless) or unable to cook (disabled, elderly)
- Only state-APPROVED restaurants can accept EBT
2. Participating states (FY26)
- Arizona (AZ) — Subway, KFC, Carl's Jr, Jack in the Box, others
- California (CA) — the largest. KFC, Subway, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, Carl's Jr, others
- Illinois (IL) — Cook County + some other counties. Subway, KFC, others
- Maryland (MD) — Baltimore + select counties. Subway, KFC, others
- Massachusetts (MA) — Boston + select urban cities
- Michigan (MI) — Detroit + urban areas. KFC, Subway, others
- New York (NY) — NYC + select counties
- Rhode Island (RI) — statewide. Subway, KFC, others
- Virginia (VA) — select counties
See fns.usda.gov/snap/restaurant-meals-program for current FY26 list + specific participating restaurants.
3. Who's eligible?
In participating states, the following SNAP categories can use EBT at restaurants:
- Homeless — HUD-broad definition (in shelter, transitional housing, unsheltered, in vehicle)
- Elderly 60+ — any 60+ household member qualifies the household for RMP
- People with disabilities — SSA definition — receiving SSI / SSDI / VA disability, or doctor-certified
- Spouse / dependent — spouse or dependent child of any of the above
4. How to use EBT at restaurants
- Verify eligibility — state SNAP agency marks your card as "RMP" if you qualify
- Find participating restaurants — state SNAP apps or yelp.com filter by "EBT accepted"
- Order at restaurant normally. When paying, present EBT card.
- Enter PIN as in grocery purchase
- Receive food + receipt. Leftovers can be takeout.
5. Restaurants that typically accept
- Subway — the most universal
- KFC, Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's, Carl's Jr, Jack in the Box — main fast food in participating states
- Pizza Hut, Domino's
- Boston Market, Panda Express
- Local / regional restaurants — check state lists
- NOT typical — sit-down restaurants (chains like Olive Garden, Applebee's, Chili's — most do NOT participate)
6. Special RMP discounts
RMP restaurants often offer discounted "EBT meal" — typically $4-7 vs $7-12 normal. Under 7 CFR 278.3, prices must be reasonable / fair.
- Ask for "EBT meal" or "discount meal"
- Discounts vary by restaurant
- Cannot charge higher prices for using EBT vs cash
7. If your state doesn't participate
- Only 9 states participate. Most states have never set up RMP despite federal availability.
- Contact your governor / legislature to advocate for RMP in your state
- Meanwhile, use normal SNAP at grocery stores (shared kitchen spaces can help)
Related resources
General information; confirm current requirements with the program provider. Feed America (EIN 92-1761881).