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For Texans using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a key question is whether their Lone Star Card can be used at restaurants. The official and direct answer is no; Texas does not currently operate the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Under the standard rules of the nationwide program, SNAP benefits in Texas are for purchasing food items to be prepared and eaten at home. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which runs SNAP in the state, confirms this on its website. The site lists prohibited items like alcohol and tobacco but makes no mention of an authorized program for restaurant meals.
Furthermore, the HHSC explicitly states that "ready-made food and hot foods are not eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits" on its page about using the Lone Star Card for online grocery purchases. The consistent lack of any mention of an RMP in official state resources confirms the program is not available in Texas.
What is the RMP?
The Restaurant Meals Program is a state-level option provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It is not a mandatory program but a special provision states can adopt. The RMP is designed to serve specific vulnerable populations who may not have the ability or facilities to store and cook their own food.
Who is Eligible for the RMP?
Eligibility for the RMP is strictly limited to SNAP recipients who fall into one of three specific categories:
The spouse of an eligible SNAP client may also qualify for the program. This targeted approach ensures the program helps those facing the greatest barriers to meal preparation.
How the Program Works in Participating States
To join the RMP, a state must apply for and receive approval from the FNS. The state is then responsible for authorizing specific restaurants to accept SNAP EBT payments. For eligible clients, their EBT card is specially coded, allowing the transaction to be approved automatically at a participating restaurant.
Several states have successfully implemented the RMP, including Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, and Virginia. The presence of these programs shows that the absence of the RMP in Texas is a state-level policy choice, not a federal limitation.
A Different Policy Focus
Texas has not implemented the RMP primarily because the state's policy focuses on a different goal: enhancing the nutritional quality of foods bought for home consumption. This objective is fundamentally different from the RMP's goal of expanding access to prepared meals.
The "Junk Food Ban" Initiative
The clearest evidence of this policy direction is the state's initiative to restrict certain food and beverage purchases with SNAP benefits. After receiving a federal waiver, Texas will implement a new rule, often called a "junk food ban," scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026.
Under this waiver, SNAP recipients in Texas will no longer be able to buy items like sweetened drinks, candy, and other products deemed to have low nutritional value. This policy positions the state as a nutritional gatekeeper, which directly conflicts with the philosophy of the RMP. A state focused on limiting grocery choices is unlikely to simultaneously expand benefits to include restaurant meals.
Emergency Waivers Explained
Much of the confusion about using SNAP for hot meals in Texas comes from temporary waivers issued during emergencies. Following a presidential disaster declaration, such as for a hurricane or severe storm, Texas can receive federal approval to temporarily allow SNAP recipients in affected areas to buy hot and ready-to-eat meals. These waivers are often announced publicly, leading many to believe a permanent program exists.
Key Differences from the RMP
It is critical to understand that these disaster waivers are not the same as the permanent Restaurant Meals Program. The main differences are:
While the RMP is not an option, Texas offers a strong network of programs that provide prepared meals to the same vulnerable populations. These services are provider-driven and community-based.
Home-Delivered Nutrition: Meals on Wheels
The most well-known alternative is the network of home-delivered meal providers, often called Meals on Wheels. These organizations deliver hot, nutritious meals directly to the homes of individuals who cannot shop or cook for themselves. This service is a lifeline that helps thousands of homebound Texans remain healthy and independent.
Community Dining: Senior Centers and Congregate Meal Sites
For those who are mobile but still need meal assistance, congregate meal programs are a vital resource. These programs offer nutritious meals, usually a daily lunch, in group settings like senior and community centers. These sites also provide important opportunities for social engagement, helping to combat loneliness and isolation.
Navigating social services can be difficult. Here are the best resources for finding prepared meal assistance in Texas.
1. Leverage 2-1-1 Texas
The most comprehensive starting point is 2-1-1 Texas. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org, you can connect with specialists 24/7 for referrals to local services, including:
2. Connect with Your Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Texas has 28 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) that coordinate services for people aged 60 and older. They are experts on local resources and can connect you with nutrition services. To find your local AAA, call the statewide line at 1-800-252-9240 or use the online directory.
3. Find a Local Meals on Wheels Provider
To find a home-delivered meal provider, visit the Meals on Wheels Texas website and use the "Find a Meal" search tool to locate the provider for your zip code. The national Meals on Wheels America website also offers a similar locator tool.
4. Contact Local Food Banks
Texas food banks, coordinated by Feeding Texas, do more than provide groceries. Many offer benefits assistance to help with SNAP applications and run senior-specific programs like the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides a monthly box of food to low-income seniors.
Although the RMP is not currently in Texas, the national conversation around the program is evolving. A bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate, the Meals for At-Risk Americans Act, aims to improve and modernize the RMP.
One of the bill's co-sponsors is Texas Senator John Cornyn. The legislation seeks to streamline the application process and cut bureaucratic red tape, making it easier for states to adopt the program. The involvement of a Texas senator suggests that the program's value is recognized at the federal level, which could influence future state-level discussions and provide a new opportunity for local advocates to re-engage state lawmakers on the issue.
No. As of 2025, Texas is not one of the states participating in the federal SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program, which allows elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipients to buy hot, prepared meals, is only available in select states like California, Arizona, and Michigan.
You may be thinking of a temporary hot food waiver. Following a disaster, such as a flood or hurricane, the federal government may temporarily approve a waiver for specific Texas counties. This allows all SNAP recipients in those areas to buy hot, ready-to-eat foods (like rotisserie chicken or deli items) with their Lone Star Card.
No. A temporary hot food waiver is different from the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Texas residents often ask about. The RMP is a permanent program for specific eligible people (elderly, disabled, homeless). A waiver is a short-term, emergency measure for everyone in a declared disaster zone.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Governor's office announce these temporary waivers. You can check the official HHSC website or local news for updates after a severe weather event or natural disaster to see if your county is included.
Since Texas does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, there is no state-specific eligibility. In states that do have the program, eligibility is typically limited to SNAP recipients who are 60 or older, receive disability benefits, or are experiencing homelessness.
Yes, but only in states that have an active Restaurant Meals Program and only if you meet that state's eligibility criteria for the RMP (elderly, disabled, or homeless). Your EBT card will not work at a restaurant unless you are eligible and the state participates.
During an approved waiver, you can use your Lone Star Card to buy hot foods from any SNAP-authorized retailer. This typically includes items like prepared deli foods, rotisserie chickens, hot sandwiches, and other ready-to-eat meals sold at grocery stores.
No. Fast-food restaurants like McDonald's, Burger King, or KFC cannot accept EBT in Texas. These establishments are only eligible to participate under the official Restaurant Meals Program, which Texas has not adopted.
Yes. If you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, they are loaded onto your Lone Star Card as cash. You can withdraw this cash at an ATM or use your card at any retailer that accepts EBT cash, including restaurants, to buy hot food.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, monitor the official Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) website or the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) page. Any decision to join the RMP would be announced by these state and federal agencies.
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