Bill > S3240

This bill modifies the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) within the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which allows certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase prepared meals. The bill establishes more restrictive criteria for participating retail food stores, requiring them to operate a prepared food section, hot bar, or deli counter, not primarily be a fast-food establishment, and meet local food safety standards. It also mandates that eligible prepared meals must contain at least one fruit or vegetable and one protein, and be intended for immediate consumption. The bill prevents spouses of SNAP-eligible individuals from participating in the program and requires stores to be authorized only once, with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) systems updated to restrict benefit redemption. Additionally, the bill expands reporting requirements, compelling the Secretary to provide detailed public reports about program participation, including the number of establishments, their locations, benefit redemption amounts, number of participants, program costs, and overall effectiveness.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3240/all-info