Tag: Hot food snap

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, most SNAP participants cannot use their benefits for hot, ready-to-eat foods. However, Illinois has implemented a specific program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows certain vulnerable individuals to buy hot food with EBT in Illinois. This critical provision offers an alternative for those unable to prepare their own meals.

Millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, but a common misconception is that EBT cards cannot be used for hot, prepared meals. While the standard rule restricts the purchase of hot food, some states have an exemption called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating fast food restaurants.

According to the USDA, EBT cards are a payment system for the SNAP program, which provides food assistance to millions of Americans. Navigating the rules for what can be purchased with an EBT card, especially at the deli counter, is a common point of confusion.