Restaurant Meals Program: Most Asked Questions
Who is eligible to the Restaurant Meals Program?
Homeless individuals, individuals who are elderly – age 60 years or older and their spouse (husband, wife, common-law husband, common-law wife), and disabled individuals and their spouse (husband, wife, common-law husband, common-law wife) – Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits; Railroad Retirement Benefit Annuities; or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
Do I have to apply for Restaurant Meals Program?
No, an application is not required. If you are eligible to participate, the Human Services Agency (HSA) will activate your current EBT card for this service.
What can the Restaurant Meals Program do for me?
The Restaurant Meals Program allows elderly, disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients to use CalFresh benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants by using their EBT card.
Will I receive more benefits when I participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
No, participating in the Restaurant Meals Program will not change your benefit amount. The Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible recipients the option of using their CalFresh benefits at participating restaurants.
How do I find out if a restaurant is participating in the program?
A restaurant is participating in the program if the RMP logo is displayed on its door or window. For a current listing of participating restaurants:
- Search for a Participating Restaurant at the CalFresh RMP website.
- Call 2-1-1
- Call 1-888-472-4463
What do I need to do to purchase a meal?
You will need to let the restaurant know that you will be using CalFresh benefits to purchase your meal. This lets the restaurant know that they should not charge you any sales or meal taxes, and that gratuities or alcohol cannot be added to the cost of your meal.
Will I able to purchase beverages?
Yes, except for alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may not be purchased with CalFresh benefits.
Will I be charged a tax or tip if I purchase a meal?
No, the participating restaurants are not allowed to charge tax or tip under the Restaurant Meals Program.
After purchasing a meal, do I get a sales receipt showing my CalFresh benefit balance?
Yes, your sales receipt will show the cost of your meal and your CalFresh benefit balance.
If my EBT CalFresh benefit is not enough to purchase a meal, can I use the EBT cash benefit to cover the difference for payment?
Yes, you must inform the cashier that you will be making a mixed transaction purchase (EBT CalFresh, EBT cash and/or cash combined).
What do I do if my EBT CalFresh transaction is denied by a participating restaurant?
Call Customer Service (1-888-472-4463) to determine the reason your transaction was denied.