Bill > S0042

This bill establishes Vermont's implementation of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), a component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that allows certain eligible SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals at restaurants. The bill mandates that Vermont participate in the RMP, with the Agency of Human Services administering the program in consultation with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Restaurant participation will be voluntary, and the agencies will develop and publish eligibility criteria focused on promoting locally produced foods, representing diverse cultural culinary traditions, and ensuring geographic diversity of participating restaurants. The bill authorizes the creation of a new permanent Restaurant Meals Program Coordinator position in fiscal year 2026, appropriates $100,000 to support this position and provide technical assistance to restaurants, and allocates an additional $75,000 for equipment and start-up costs for participating restaurants. The program aims to increase food purchasing power and access to nutritious meals for low-income households by allowing them to use SNAP benefits at selected restaurants. The RMP will take effect on July 1, 2025, after the agencies collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to develop a comprehensive implementation plan.