Even if the SNAP program does not allow most Food Stamp beneficiaries to buy hot meals, there can be some exceptions. This is only possible thanks to the RMP.
RMP stands for the Restaurant Meals Program. Some States let specific SNAP beneficiaries buy meals at some eligible restaurants. Bear in mind that some beneficiaries may have a disability that prevents them from cooking, do not have a house, or cannot simply store food.
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Who can use SNAP benefits at restaurants?
To qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries must be certified. The only bad thing is that the RMP is not in all 50 States.
Therefore, you must check first if your State has joined the RMP. What is more, all the SNAP beneficiaries living together in the same household must qualify for RMP.
- a spouse of a SNAP recipient who qualifies for the RMP.
- a person who is experiencing homelessness.
- a person with a qualifying disability (getting disability benefits).
- seniors aged 60 or older
Which restaurants can take part in the RMP?
Not only do Food Stamp recipients need to meet special requirements, but also eligible restaurants. Obviously, they can only apply if they are in a State where RMP is available.
Apart from that, these restaurants must get authorization from the Food and Nutrition Service (USDA) to be able to accept SNAP benefits. But requirements are not over. The last one has to do with getting approval from the State and giving a signed agreement to FNS.
Not all States may have the same conditions, so contact your local SNAP or RMP office to find out more about it. However, it will be essential to fill out a FNS 252-2 application and then send it to the FNS. EBT cards will show a code to prove clients are eligible for the RMP.