The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) will be expanded beginning May 2025. IDHS has participated in the SNAP RMP since 2022.
Your restaurant is eligible to apply to participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program if it is located in Dewitt County, Franklin County or Cook County with the following zip codes (60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617) AND meets certain criteria.
1. What is Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP customers and their spouses to use their SNAP benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants using their Link card.
Per FNS regulations, all group members must be either:
- Elderly (60 years of age or over)
- Disabled (receives disability or blindness payments or receives disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent)
- Homeless
- A spouse of a SNAP customer who is eligible for the program
2. Who is eligible to participate in RMP?
SNAP customers may use their benefits to purchase prepared food in authorized restaurants. Customers must be approved for SNAP benefits by IDHS to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Additionally, to participate all household members must be either elderly (60 years of age or over), disabled (receives disability or blindness payments or receives disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent), homeless, or a spouse of a SNAP customer who is eligible for the program.
3. How can my restaurant participate in the RMP?
The restaurant owner will need to complete an Intake Survey. Once survey is received, you will be contacted by a RMP representative.
4. What are the requirements for restaurants to participate?
Obtain FNS approval to accept Snap benefits. Restaurants must also meet all the following requirements:
- Must abide by the rules and regulations of USDA regarding SNAP acceptance and redemption;
- Must have a signed MOU with State of Illinois;
- Be in and maintain compliance with all current federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and/or orders throughout the duration of participation in the program;
- Must have a current public health operating permit. Must install EBT equipment and/or software from an EBT certified processor;
- Must have sit-down seating available;
- Provide 10% discount on menu items;
- Must not charge a sales or meals tax to any eligible customer who uses SNAP benefits to purchase a low-cost meal;
- Must not be a bar and/or tavern; and
- Must be accessible to disabled population.
5. What happens after I submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to IDHS?
Once a restaurant submits an MOU between the restaurant and IDHS, the IDHS staff will process the application for approval for the RMP program. Once the MOU has been signed by IDHS, the executed MOU will be returned to the restaurant with instructions for completing the application with FNS.
6. How do I submit my application for RMP to FNS?
Once you have received notification from IDHS that your MOU has been approved, you will need to mail printed copies of the following items to our federal partners at FNS:
- A copy of a government-issued photo ID AND a copy of the Social Security card for EACH owner/partner;
- A copy of the valid business license;
- A copy of the executed MOU with IDHS.
The completed USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Application for Meal Services (FNS 252-2) (ensure the Signature Page is complete for all owners/partners). Mail all materials to:
Retailer Service Center
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
PO Box 7228
Falls Church, VA 22040
IDHS recommends that these materials be sent via registered or Certified mail.
Please note, FNS 252-2 cannot be submitted online it must be mailed.
7. How long does it take to become an authorized restaurant?
The entire process to become authorized takes approximately 90 days.
8. Will I need to purchase equipment to process EBT transactions?
After you are authorized by FNS to accept a link card as a form of payment, you will need to choose a Point-of-Sale system (POS) that includes the hardware and software to process payments and complete purchases. If you already have POS equipment, you will need to contact your current POS processor about programming it to accept Link card payments. Information is available regarding Third Party Processors (TPP) for equipment and services can be found here. You should review the cost of leasing or purchasing POS equipment and services to accommodate your business needs.
9. Are there any fees that I must pay to participate in RMP?
There are no fees/dues that a restaurant owner must pay to participate in RMP. However, your POS processor may charge fees to accept Link card transactions.
10. How often does the restaurant have to renew the MOU?
Every four years, a new MOU will be required.
11. I have more than one restaurant. Can I apply for two or more of my restaurants to participate in RMP?
Yes, you can apply for two or more of your restaurants to participate in RMP. Only one MOU is required for two or more restaurants under the same ownership. Any subsequent additions will require you to complete a new FNS 252-2. If there are several restaurants listed under one MOU, all locations must be listed. Each location will also need to be listed on the FNS 252-2.
12. What happens if a participating restaurant changes ownership or closes for business?
The restaurant owner must notify IDHS by emailing DHS.RMP@Illinois.gov when a restaurant changes ownership or closes. The authorization for RMP participation is NOT TRANSFERABLE. If the new owner wants to continue to participate in RMP, he/she must sign a new MOU with IDHS and apply for authorization with FNS.
13. How long does it take to be reimbursed for the SNAP card meal purchases?
SNAP meal purchases are usually reimbursed within 48 hours. If you have questions about SNAP reimbursements, call your POS processor for assistance.
14. What action should I take if a transaction is declined?
It is the responsibility of the SNAP customer to ensure they are eligible for the program and have funds to cover their transactions. If a Link card is declined, you should ask for an alternative form of payment.
15. Can I process a Link card cash transaction when a cardholder is not eligible to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
Yes. If your POS equipment is enabled to accept EBT Cash as a form of payment. Contact your TPP to ensure your establishment is enabled for these transactions.
16. How can I assist a customer whose Link card was denied when processed on the POS device?
You may inform the customer to contact their local Family Community Resource Center; or call 1-800-678-5465 for assistance.
17. How do I know if a customer who provides a Link card is eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program?
Customers have access to ebtEDGE to check their eligibility. They can log into their Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) account to see if they have a message indicating eligibility to participate in RMP. If they think that they should be eligible, but don't see a message saying that they are, please have them contact their local IDHS office. Additionally, customers can access ebtEDGE to determine if they are eligible.
18. Is the restaurant responsible for determining which clients are allowed to use their SNAP benefits at restaurants?
No, but the customer can log into their ABE account to see if they have a message indicating eligibility to participate in RMP. If they think that they should be eligible, but don't see a message saying that they are, please have them contact their local IDHS office.
19. The program documents specify that a restaurant must offer "discounted meals". What does that mean?
The Restaurant shall offer a 10% discount to all menu items during regular business hours to RMP eligible SNAP customers and their spouses who are elderly, disabled, or homeless.
20. How can the SNAP customer know that our restaurant is participating in the program?
A sign relating to RMP will be provided for placement on your business' door or window. SNAP customers will be told to look for the logo to identify restaurants participating in RMP. In addition, your restaurant's name and address will be placed on a list of participating restaurants posted on the IDHS RMP website. Eligible customers can check the list of participating restaurants by clicking here.
For questions regarding the Restaurant Meals Program authorization process, contact the RMP Unit at DHS.RMP@Illinois.gov or 217-558-7757
