Some SNAP Households Can Now Use Their Benefits at Participating Restaurants

What is Happening?

Through the new SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), older adults, people with a disability, and the unhoused are eligible to use their benefits to purchase hot meals from participating restaurants in two Illinois counties.

When Will It Happen?

This program launched in two counties in Illinois in 2023: Cook and Franklin. The Illinois Department of Human Services is working to expand the program to more counties. Check this page for the latest updates.

How Could This Impact Me?

To use your SNAP/Link benefits at restaurants, you must be an Illinois resident AND everyone in your household other than your spouse must fall within one of the following groups:

  • Individuals experiencing homelessness

  • Individuals aged 60 and older

  • Individuals living with disabilities and receiving governmental disability payments

If you only live with your spouse, who does not fall into one of the three eligibility categories, you are still eligible.

What Next Steps Should I Take?

If you are eligible to use your SNAP EBT benefits at restaurants, you must visit a participating restaurant. You do not need to apply to use your benefits at a participating restaurant if you are eligible.

Cook County Participating Restaurants

Below is a list of restaurants in Cook County participating in the Restaurant Meals Program:

  • BJ’s Market & Bakery 1737 E. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60617

  • Caribbean Jerk’s Palace III 10318 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60628

  • Doughboy’s Chicago 352 E. 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619

  • Firehouse Bakery & Grill 720 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60619

  • JJ Fish and Chicken 47 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620

  • Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood 8655 Jeffery Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60617

  • S2 Express Grill 129 E. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60628

Franklin County Participating Restaurants

Below is a list of restaurants in Franklin County participating in the Restaurant Meals Program:

  • Bonnie’s Care 15 W Frankfort Plaza, West Frankfort, IL 62896

  • Joe’s Pizza 117 E. Main Street, Benton, IL 62812

Where Can I Find More Information?

Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services for more information about the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. You can also review their Restaurant Meals FAQs for SNAP customers.

FAQs

  • When signing up for SNAP, you enter your age and indicate if you or your household members have a disability or were experiencing homelessness. The three factors considered in who is eligible to participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program pilot within Illinois include:

    • Individuals aged 60 or older

    • Individuals with a disability and receiving SSI

    • Individuals experiencing homelessness

    If you fall into any of the above categories, you are eligible to use your SNAP benefits at select restaurants that take EBT payments. If there is more than one person in the household, all members of the household other than your spouse must fall within one of the three qualifying categories. If you only live with your spouse, who does not fall into one of the three eligibility categories, you are still eligible for the SNAP restaurant meals program.

    You can also visit Manage My Case to check whether you are indicated as eligible to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program pilot.

  • No, you do not need to fill out any additional forms or applications to become eligible. Eligible participants are automatically enrolled in the program.

  • All participating restaurants received state-issued EBT equipment which have an Automated Eligibility Identifier. This enables the restaurant to automatically identify if an EBT card can be processed for the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.


  • You only need to bring your SNAP/Link card. The participating restaurants will have a card reader which confirms who is eligible to participate by the swipe of your Link card.


  • Yes. If your household falls within one of the eligibility criteria, you are eligible to use your SNAP benefits at participating restaurants.


  • No. All household members, except for the eligible individual’s spouse, must qualify within one of the three categories in order to use household SNAP benefits to purchase a hot meal at participating restaurants.


  • Yes, if the restaurant offers take-out meals. All restaurants that accept EBT in the pilot will have seating available, though meals purchased with SNAP benefits at participating restaurants do not need to be consumed at the restaurant.


  • For questions on restaurant offerings, please contact the participating restaurant directly.


  • An EBT Restaurant Meals Program poster will be provided for placement on each business’ door or window. Look for the poster to identify restaurants participating in the EBT Restaurant Meals Program.


  • If you develop a disability or become homeless, you should contact the Illinois Department of Human Services to ensure you will become eligible for restaurant meals at your next redetermination. If you take no action, your household will not be reviewed for the EBT Restaurant Meals Program until the next redetermination.

    Changes in age do not require additional reporting.

  • You can give your LINK card and PIN temporarily to a member of your household or a trusted friend or relative to shop for groceries or pick up a restaurant meal for you. Their name and photo do not need to be on the card.

    It is recommended that you change your PIN after another individual uses your card.

  • You can check your Link EBT account balance and transactions online or by calling 1-800-678-LINK (5465).

    You can also visit Manage My Case to check whether you are indicated as eligible to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program pilot.