Bill > SB169

This bill establishes a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Colorado that will allow certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase hot or prepared foods at participating restaurants. By January 1, 2026, the state must submit an application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the program, with eligibility based on USDA criteria. After receiving USDA approval, the Office of Economic Security will develop and publish an implementation plan. The state will adopt rules for program administration, including verifying recipient eligibility and establishing restaurant participation requirements. Participating restaurants must be licensed by the state health department and authorized by the USDA to accept SNAP benefits. The bill encourages restaurants to source locally produced foods, serve diverse cultural meals, cover diverse geographic regions, and potentially offer flexible pricing in underinvested communities. The state may provide technical assistance to restaurants and will include program progress updates in its annual report, detailing approved restaurants and eligible recipients by county. The program is subject to available appropriations and aims to expand food access for SNAP recipients by allowing them to purchase prepared meals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-169