Restaurant Meals Program: Using SNAP Benefits at Restaurants

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a crucial initiative that enables specific SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients—elderly, homeless, and disabled individuals—to utilize their SNAP benefits for purchasing prepared or hot food from participating restaurants and delis. For SNAP households facing homelessness, the RMP also offers the benefit of purchasing meals at reduced prices from restaurants contracted with the federal government.

It’s important to clarify that while you might be searching for “What Pizza Places Accept Child Care Food Program,” the Restaurant Meals Program is not related to child care food programs. Instead, RMP focuses on providing food access for vulnerable adults within the SNAP framework. This article will provide comprehensive information about the Restaurant Meals Program for eligible recipients and restaurants interested in participating.

If you are interested in learning more about participating in the RMP, please explore the information provided below.

FAQs for Recipients

Restaurant Application to Participate in USDA Program

Restaurant Meals Program: An Overview for SNAP Recipients

Program Overview

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Maryland provides eligible SNAP recipients with the valuable option to use their Independence (EBT) card to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. Eligibility for this program is specifically designed to support SNAP recipients who meet one of the following criteria:

1. Experiencing homelessness.
2. Age 60 or older – this includes spouses (husband, wife, common-law husband, common-law wife).
3. Living with a disability – this extends to the spouse of the disabled individual if they are the only two individuals on the SNAP case.

Eligibility for the Restaurant Meals Program is reviewed for each SNAP recipient during their regular SNAP redetermination process. If a recipient no longer meets the eligibility criteria at their next recertification, they will no longer be able to use their EBT card for prepared food purchases at restaurants under this program.

Simple Steps to Purchase Meals at Participating Restaurants

Using your EBT card at participating restaurants and delis is a straightforward 4-step process:

1. Identify Participating Restaurants: Locate restaurants that are part of the RMP. You can find a list below or request a list of participating restaurants from your Eligibility Worker.

2. Check Your EBT Card Balance: Before visiting a restaurant, confirm your available balance on your EBT card. You can do this by calling 1-800-997-2222 or visiting www.connectebt.com.

3. Make Your Meal Purchase: Visit a participating restaurant and use your EBT card to purchase breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

4. Receive Your Receipt: After each purchase, you will receive a receipt detailing the meal cost and your remaining SNAP benefit balance.

List of Participating Restaurants by Jurisdiction

Currently, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is piloting the Restaurant Meals Program in the listed counties. As the program expands, additional jurisdictions will be included. The DHS is actively seeking more restaurants to join the RMP.

2 Soul Sisters Restaurant 232 Town Square Drive Lusby, MD 20675 (Calvert Co.) 443-707-0232

Burger King 2301 Liberty Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 (Baltimore City) 410-523-4546

Burger King 8022 Liberty Rd. Windsor Mill, MD 21244 (Baltimore Co.) 410-521-5305

Burger King 6605 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD 21215 (Baltimore City) 410-764-5610

Burger King 1241 Orleans St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (Baltimore City) 410-563-7263

Burger King 4400 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD 21215 (Baltimore City) 443-708-2521

Burger King 1333 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, Md 21784 (Carroll Co.) 410-552-1851

Burger King 555 W 29th Street Baltimore, MD 21211 (Baltimore City) 410-889-7380

Burger King 1937 Greenspring Ave Lutherville, MD 21093 (Baltimore Co.) 410-560-1004

Burger King 4100 Pulaski Highway Baltimore, MD 21224 (Baltimore City) 410-276-6649

Burger King 8304 Pulaski Highway Rosedale, MD 21237 (Baltimore Co.) 410-687-6018

CR Wings 546 Baltimore Pike Bel Air, MD 21014 (Harford Co.) 410-838-6722

Burger King 5141 Indian Head Highway Oxon Hill, MD 20745 (Prince George’s Co.) 301-749-1400

Blue Mountain Cafe LLC 1586 Potomac Ave Hagerstown, Maryland 21742 (Washinton County) 240-420-5995

Seafood On the Buff in Wheaton 12132 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, Maryland 20902 (Montgomery County) 410-935-1696

Bay Crawlers Crab Shack 1701 Turkey Point Rd Northeast, Maryland 21901(Cecil) 410-287-7070

Bubba’s Place 266486 Rock Point Rd Newburg Maryland 20664 (Charles) 240-216-4218

KFC Rt. 301 & Rt. 6 La Plata, Maryland 20646 (Charles) 301-934-0374

KFC 8073 Veterans Hwy Millersville Maryland 21108-1446 (Anne Arundel) (410) 969-1233

KFC 2180 Crain Hwy Waldorf, Maryland 20601-3146 (Anne Arundel) 240-416-9975

KFC 10 Watkins Park Dr Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774-1628 (Prince George’s) 301-780-3640

KFC 5785 Crain Hwy Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-4101(Prince George’s) 301-780-3640

KFC 65 W Dares Beach Rd Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678-3109 (Calvert Co) 410-535-2288

KFC 1682 Annapolis Rd Odenton, Maryland 21113-1096 (Anne Arundel) 410-551-7845

KFC 708 Nursery Rd Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090-3122 (Anne Arundel) 410-589-6044

KFC 302 Canberra Way Bryans Road Maryland 20616 (Charles) 301-375-6186

KFC 1 Thurmont Blvd. Thurmont, Maryland 21788 (Frederick Co) 301-271-5007

The Restaurant Meals Program enables elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards at participating restaurants for prepared meals. Let’s address some common questions about the program:

Frequently Asked Questions for SNAP Recipients

Will participating in the Restaurant Meals Program change my SNAP benefit amount?

No, your SNAP benefit amount remains unchanged. The Restaurant Meals Program simply provides eligible recipients with the option to use their existing SNAP benefits at participating restaurants for prepared meals instead of grocery stores.

Where can I find a list of participating restaurants?

For a comprehensive list of participating restaurants in your county, please visit dhs.maryland.gov. It’s important to note that you can only purchase meals at restaurants within Maryland under this program.

Will my receipt show my SNAP balance?

Yes, your sales receipt will clearly display the cost of your meal and your remaining SNAP benefit balance after each transaction.

Are there any taxes charged at participating restaurants under the RMP?

No, participating restaurants are prohibited from charging sales tax on meals purchased through the Restaurant Meals Program.

Can I purchase non-food items or alcoholic beverages with my SNAP benefits at restaurants?

No, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages or any non-food items, either at restaurants or grocery stores.

What if I need to use a combination of SNAP EBT and cash for my meal?

Yes, if your meal cost exceeds your EBT balance, you can use a mixed transaction. Simply inform the cashier that you will be using a combination of your SNAP EBT card and cash to pay for your meal.

Should I check my EBT card balance before going to a restaurant?

Yes, it is advisable to confirm your available funds on your EBT card before visiting a restaurant to ensure a smooth transaction. You can easily check your balance by calling 1-800-997-2222 or visiting www.connectebt.com.

Can I use my Maryland RMP benefits in another state?

Potentially, yes. If you are an eligible RMP participant in Maryland, you may be able to use your SNAP EBT benefits at restaurants in other states that also participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, such as Virginia. Conversely, eligible SNAP recipients from other RMP-participating states can use their benefits at participating restaurants in Maryland.

Restaurant Participation in the Restaurant Meals Program

Interested in Participating?

The Restaurant Meals Program offers an opportunity for restaurants to serve SNAP recipients and expand their customer base. SNAP recipients use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, primarily for grocery purchases. For a restaurant to participate in the RMP and accept EBT payments for prepared meals, they must apply to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for authorization. The application process involves submitting the following forms and documents:

FNS 252-2 Form (Application for Meal Service) (Form instructions are provided in the following section)

Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MD DHS

Key Instructions for FNS 252-2 Form Completion

• Restaurant Category: RMP applicants should apply as a private, for-profit Restaurant and indicate if their business operates as a franchise.

• Restaurant Definition: For the purpose of this program, a restaurant is defined as a private, for-profit establishment that sells or serves meals directly to customers for consumption.

• Store Information: Provide complete store details in this section (which will also be designated as Site #1 in Part 3 of the form).

• Corporate Information: If the restaurant is part of a corporation, include the corporation’s information as requested.

• Site Information: This section must be filled out completely for each restaurant location, including the telephone number, which will be printed on EBT receipts.

• Franchise Identification: For franchises, include the store number under “Site Name” (e.g., Subway #4217).

• Multiple Locations: If applying for more than three locations, applicants can either make copies of page two of the form or create a separate Word or Excel file containing all required information for each location. Manager information for large chains should also be entered in this section.

• Ownership Details: This section pertains to restaurant owners and their spouses.

• Home Addresses Required: Home addresses for all owners and spouses are mandatory.

• Identification and SSN Verification: A photo ID and Social Security Number verification are required for all owners/officers and their spouses.

Note: Information from Part 4 of the form, including restaurant name, location, operating days, and meals served, will be compiled into a public informational listing for SNAP recipients and online posting.

Completeness: Ensure all questions on the application form are answered accurately.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Required Supporting Documentation: Provide all necessary documents, including:

-   **Identification and SSN Verification:** Copies of government-issued photo identification and Social Security cards (or other SSN verification, such as a tax form) for:
    -   All owners/partners
    -   All officers of private corporations
    -   Spouses of owners/officers (documentation not required for publicly-owned corporations).
-   **Valid Business License:**  A current health permit or business license with the correct address and ownership details is required for each restaurant location.

Restaurant Meals Program Details

For restaurants considering joining the Restaurant Meals Program, here are some frequently asked questions:

Frequently Asked Questions for Restaurants

The Maryland Department of Human Services (MD DHS) will collect all required application documents from interested restaurants and submit the complete package to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for processing. Please mail all applications and supporting documents to the following address:

USDA Food and Nutrition Services
PO Box 7228 (USPS Only)
Falls Church, VA 22040

What documents are required for the RMP application?

Restaurants need to submit the following documents as part of their application:

• Identification and SSN Verification: Copies of government-issued photo ID and Social Security card (or SSN verification) for:
  • All owners/partners
  • All officers of private corporations
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Copy of the signed MOU with MD DHS.
• Business License/Health Permit: Copy of a valid business license or health permit.
• Signed Certificate and Signature Statement: Signed certificate and signature statement (page 4 of the application) for each owner, partner, and corporate officer.
• FNS-252 Form: Completed FNS-252 Form – SNAP application for stores. You can access the form at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-apply

What is the application processing time?

Once a complete application package is received, the FNS typically takes up to 45 days to make an authorization decision. However, average approval times can vary depending on the current application volume.

Can a business be both a retailer/food store and a restaurant under SNAP?

No, a business must choose to participate as either a retailer/food store or a restaurant under the SNAP program. It cannot be both simultaneously. A restaurant or carry-out food business is defined as an establishment where 50% or more of its gross sales come from prepared foods.

What type of Point of Sale (POS) equipment is needed to accept EBT?

After receiving authorization from FNS to accept EBT payments, restaurants will need to select Point of Sale (POS) equipment capable of processing EBT transactions. If you already have POS equipment, contact your current processor to inquire about programming it to accept EBT and obtain cost information. A partial list of certified EBT equipment and service vendors is available at: SNAP EBT Third Party Processor List. Restaurants are not obligated to choose from this list and should compare costs for equipment leasing or purchasing to make the most suitable choice for their business. For more information on becoming a vendor, please visit the FNS website.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete FNS 252-2 form