The eight states where food stamps can be used in restaurants – is yours on the list?

THE Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is currently helping more than 41.5million Americans put food on the table for their families.

SNAP is the largest federal nutrition assistance program of its kind and now it's allowing some recipients to use their SNAP money at select restaurants.

The program provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families.

The monthly benefits are paid on a specific day each month, depending on your state.

The money is provided through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which is used like a debit card, to buy food at authorized retail food stores. 

You must apply for SNAP in the state in which you live, as each state has a different application form and process.

The federal government has expanded the program to allow states to participate in the SNAP restaurant meals program (RMP).

What is the SNAP restaurant meals program?

The SNAP restaurant meals program is a special state-run program that allows elderly, homeless and disabled SNAP recipients to purchase food at SNAP authorized restaurants.

They can do so by using the SNAP EBT cards.

Under the restaurant meals program, participating restaurants must offer meals at discounted prices. 

This can be a great joy for recipients as the money they receive cannot be used to buy hot prepared foods, such as soup and rotisserie chicken at grocery stores.

What states have the SNAP restaurant meals program?

Eight states have opted in for the federal program that allows older adults to use their food benefits on select, low-cost restaurant meals.

The program is widely available in Arizona and California.

Other states such as Hawaii, Michigan, Maryland, and Rhode Island offer the restaurant meals program in select cities or counties.

Illinois and New York have recently passed laws allowing the respective state social services agencies to apply to the federal program.

Last month, the Missouri Senate passed legislation that would allow over 182,000 households in the state to use SNAP benefits at restaurants.

It's now advancing to the House to be voted on and if passed will need to be signed by Missouri's governor to be implemented.

How do states join?

To join the SNAP restaurant meals program, states must prove to the US Department of Agriculture that some high-needs residents aren’t well-served by traditional food benefits.

The program then allows members of three target populations: adults over 60, people with disabilities and people who are homeless, plus their spouses, to eat at low-cost, state-certified restaurants.

Chains, such as Subway and McDonald’s, participate in the program in select states.

Here are five best items to buy with SNAP at Walmart.

Plus, The Sun reveals eleven ways food stamp claimants can get help and boost benefits.