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    SNAP For Restaurants: 3 Things You Need to Know

    Learn how to accept EBT payments at your restaurant. SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards to purchase hot/prepared meals from restaurants with the Restaurant Meals Program through Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). This program is a great initiative from FNS that increases access to nutritionally balanced, prepared meals. Here are 3 of your questions, answered

     

    1. Where is the Restaurant Meals Program available?
      • As of right now RMP is only available in certain states, however there are more states that are in the process of finalizing their RMP. While this is a federally funded program, each state is in charge of operating their own program, meaning individual states determine what restaurants are eligible, who qualifies, how many restaurants they approve, and if the whole state can participate or just certain counties, so this program can vary state-to-state. Ask us if your state qualifies.
    1. What are the requirements to qualify?
      • To qualify, a restaurant must be in a state that operates a Restaurant Meals Program, get signed approval from their state to give to FNS, and complete the FNS application and be approved. It is important to note that each state has their own requirements that determine what restaurants can participate in the program, so the requirements may vary. Please visit your state’s RMP website for more information.
    2. How do I apply?
      • To apply, you must first obtain a signed agreement from your state to give to FNS during your application. Then, you must complete the FNS application to become a SNAP retailer. Check out to learn everything you need to know about getting started, and receive SNAP application tips.

     

         RMP is a great program addition that will be influential in providing fresh meals to those who may not have access otherwise. By increasing access to hot/prepared meals via restaurants to those who may not have the means to properly store or prepare food, RMP will begin to make a huge difference in the fight against hunger.

     

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