SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Expands Access to Prepared Meals

by Sarah DeMaranville

Colona, Kewanee, and Geneseo Pizza Huts have now joined the Restaurant Meals Program, allowing eligible SNAP customers to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals. This expands access to hot meals for individuals and families in the community who meet program requirements.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is designed to help individuals who may not be able to prepare meals for themselves or who lack stable housing access hot, prepared food using their SNAP benefits.

Under the RMP, eligible SNAP recipients can use their Link/EBT card to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. The program serves individuals who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, homeless, and the spouses of elderly or disabled participants.

Eligibility is determined automatically by the state. SNAP customers who qualify for the RMP have EBT cards that are coded to work at approved restaurants. Restaurants do not determine eligibility—transactions are approved or declined electronically based on the customer’s status.

What the Program Offers

The Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible participants to:

  • Use SNAP benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals

  • Access food options when cooking or food storage is not possible

  • Receive a 10% discount on all menu items at participating restaurants

  • Choose from restaurants required to offer healthy and nutritious menu options

Participation in the RMP is limited to states that have adopted the program. Currently, only a small number of states participate, and restaurants must be approved by both the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

Restaurants participating in the RMP must meet federal and state guidelines, including authorization from FNS and a signed agreement with the state. Once approved, EBT transactions are processed automatically for eligible customers.

Improving Access with Dignity

The Restaurant Meals Program recognizes that access to food is not one-size-fits-all. For seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness, the ability to purchase a prepared meal can be essential to maintaining health, independence, and dignity.

“Being part of the Restaurant Meals Program reinforces that Pizza Hut is more than a place to grab a meal—it’s an active part of the community. For families, seniors, and individuals who may not have access to a kitchen, a warm and familiar meal can make a meaningful difference. As a local business owner, accepting EBT aligns with our values of accessibility, dignity, and supporting our neighbors, and we hope this initiative helps reduce barriers for those facing food insecurity by providing greater access to reliable, prepared meals.”

- Ross Addis, Director of Operations, Geneseo & Colona Pizza Hut locations

With Pizza Hut’s participation, local residents who qualify for the RMP now have another option for accessing meals—bringing the program’s purpose closer to home.