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BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP/NEXSTAR) – A proposed federal bill would end a program that allows certain Massachusetts SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase meals from restaurants and food trucks.
New bill would restrict SNAP benefits in 9 states. Here’s what could be cut
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), would eliminate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), an option currently available in Massachusetts and eight other states.
The RMP is designed for SNAP recipients who may have difficulty preparing food themselves, including older adults, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, and eligible spouses. The program allows qualified participants to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to buy prepared meals from approved restaurants.
Massachusetts joined the program in recent years and has approved restaurants and food trucks in communities across the state, including Boston, Chelsea, Fall River, Greenfield, Lawrence, Worcester, and Brockton.
If approved, the “Ending Restaurant Purchases with SNAP Act of 2026” would eliminate the program nationwide and prevent eligible SNAP recipients from using their benefits at participating restaurants.
Rep. Gill said the measure would ensure SNAP benefits are used to purchase groceries and other nutritious foods rather than prepared restaurant meals. Supporters of the bill argue that the program allows federal food assistance dollars to be spent on less healthy options.
Critics, however, say additional restrictions on SNAP purchases could make it more difficult for vulnerable residents to access meals and could further stigmatize low-income Americans who rely on food assistance programs.
The proposal comes as federal officials continue examining how SNAP benefits can be used. Earlier efforts focused on restricting purchases of items such as soda, candy, and energy drinks as part of broader efforts to encourage healthier food choices.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for consideration. If approved by Congress and signed into law, it would end the Restaurant Meals Program in Massachusetts as well as Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia.
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