Unfortunately, the Restaurant Meals Program is not available in all 50 States. Even if you can collect SNAP benefits, the former Food Stamps in all States, the RMP is just on 9 of them.
If you are not able to cook because you do not have a house, because of your age, or due to your disability, apply for the Restaurant Meals Program for eligible SNAP recipients. The form you will need will be the FNS 252-2 Application.
Where can I apply for the RMP if I qualified for SNAP benefits?
In alphabetical order, you can apply for the RMP if you are on Food Stamps in Arizona, California. Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia.
For your information, you must be certified first. Therefore, not all SNAP recipients can take advantage of this program. Of course, you can only use SNAP benefits at restaurants in these 9 States.
What is more, recipients must meet one of the following requirements to apply. Seniors aged 60, people with a disability getting benefits, homeless people, and spouses of eligible RMP beneficiaries.
Where could you buy food at restaurants with SNAP benefits?
In general, you cannot buy food at restaurants using your EBT card. However, if your State takes part in the Restaurant Meals Program and you qualify, you will be able to buy hot meals in these States.
Within eligible States, you must look for Food Stamp authorized restaurants. What is more, those restaurants that participate in the RMP must have meals at concessional prices.
The best way to find out the closest restaurants that joined the Restaurant Meals Program is to use the SNAP Retailer Locator from the Food and Nutrition Service (USDA). So check it at https://usda-fns.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e1f3028b217344d78b324193b10375e4
