For Eligible Customers

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Who Is Eligible

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is working to make it easier for Commonwealth of Virginia residents who are 60 and over, permanently disabled or experiencing homelessness (and their spouses) to have greater access to hot, prepared meals.

Eligible households can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase meals at approved restaurants.

This program will not affect benefits in any way, other than providing an additional way of using them. Eligible households will continue to receive their normal issuance of monthly benefits.

This program is available to SNAP households that meet one of the following criteria:

Homeless: The household must lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence or be living in a shelter, halfway house or a place not designed for sleeping. This includes those who are temporarily staying in the home of another person (90 days or less).
Elderly: The household must have only members who are 60 or older, or an elderly individual and his or her spouse.
Disabled: The household must have only members who are designated disabled by a government entity, or a disabled individual and his or her spouse.
Elderly or Disabled: The household must have only members who are age 60 or older or designated as disabled by a government entity, or an elderly or disabled individual and his or her spouse.

How Does It Work?

Restaurants in Virginia will be approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to participate in the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program (VRMP).

Participating restaurants will have VRMP signage displayed within the restaurant.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be able to use your EBT card to purchase a meal in the same way you use your EBT card at a grocery store. You will be asked to swipe your EBT card through a point-of-sale device and enter your PIN. You will not be charged tax or tip for your meal. You may also take advantage of any sales, promotions or coupons the restaurant is offering.

Please make sure you have sufficient funds on your EBT card before ordering. If your EBT card is declined, you may use cash or a credit card to pay for the balance.

For more information and a list of participating restaurants, contact the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program at VRMP@dss.virginia.gov

Find a Participating Restaurant

The Virginia Department of Social Services and United States Department of Agriculture are partnering with a growing number of restaurants to bring you easier access to prepared meals. Use the table below to find a participating Virginia Restaurant Meals Program near you.

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