SNAP Benefits Update: 9 States Could Face New Restrictions

By Aliss Higham

US News Reporter

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Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has introduced legislation aimed at changing how some recipients use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy prepared meals.

Why It Matters

SNAP currently serves more than 42 million low- and no-income Americans nationwide. Under the longstanding Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), eligible participants use their EBT cards to pay for prepared meals, just as they would for groceries, with program rules and participating vendors varying by state.

The proposed legislation is the latest in a series of changes taking place in the SNAP program. Several states have recently opted to bar SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy "junk food" snacks and drinks.

What To Know

The McStopping Chains from Using SNAP EBT to Make Entrees (McSCUSE ME) Act focuses on reviewing the RMP, a special SNAP option that allows eligible participants to purchase meals at participating restaurants using their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.

RMP is currently limited to specific populations, including elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and homeless Americans, who may face challenges preparing their own meals.

Only approved restaurants accept SNAP benefits under the program, and recipients cannot use funds to purchase alcohol or leave tips. Participation varies by state, with nine states currently running programs: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia, while Oregon is currently piloting using RMP. Each state sets its own rules for eligibility and participating restaurants.

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According to Ernst, $524 million has been spent through RMP over the past two years, "almost exclusively on fast food."

California accounted for the highest spending, with more than $475 million between June 2023 and May 2025. Other states, including Arizona, New York, and Michigan, also reported millions spent on prepared meals.

The McSCUSE ME Act would reform RMP in several ways. Vendor eligibility would be limited to grocery stores and other retailers that offer healthy prepared food options, excluding fast food and quick-service chains. The program would continue to allow participation by the elderly, disabled, and homeless, but automatic spousal eligibility would be removed. The legislation also requires an annual report detailing the number of participating vendors, the number of beneficiaries, and total program costs.

What People Are Saying

Ernst said: "The ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition—not nuggets with a side of fries. I wish I was McRibbing you, but $250 million per year at the drive through is no joke and a serious waste of tax dollars. I hate to be the one to say McSCUSE ME, but something needs to be done because taxpayers are not lovin’ it."