Across the country, many senior nutrition programs face the same challenge: limited funding and growing waitlists. But recent developments in how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used may offer a new path forward.
As of mid-2025, several states are allowing older adults to use their SNAP EBT cards to purchase prepared meals at authorized senior centers and community dining sites. For programs looking to expand access or reduce their waitlists, this is a development worth paying attention to.
What’s Changing
Under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), a federal SNAP option, participating states can allow eligible individuals — older adults (age 60+), people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness — to use their EBT benefits to buy hot, prepared meals at approved locations.
Historically, EBT was limited to groceries. But through RMP, states can designate approved sites, including restaurants and, in some cases, senior centers, as vendors that can accept EBT payments for prepared meals.
Where It’s Happening
As of July 2025, the following states have opted into the Restaurant Meals Program:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
In these states, congregate meal sites may apply to become approved SNAP vendors, allowing them to accept EBT payments directly from clients.
What This Could Mean for Senior Nutrition Programs
Reducing Waitlists
If older adults are able and willing to use their SNAP benefits for meals, programs can expand their reach without being solely reliant on limited Older Americans Act (OAA) funding.
Offering More Flexibility
Sites could provide more than one meal per day by giving participants the option to purchase additional meals using EBT.
Supporting Dignified Choice
For older adults who do not qualify for free meals or who want additional meals, using SNAP benefits at a local center gives them more control and access in a respectful, client-centered way.
How to Apply to Accept EBT at a Senior Center
For a congregate site to accept SNAP EBT payments for meals, it must become an authorized SNAP retailer under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This process involves a few key steps:
- Confirm eligibility: The site must be in a state that participates in RMP and primarily serves older adults (age 60+), individuals with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness.
- Apply: Eligible organizations must apply through the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Portal and complete Form FNS-252-2, specifically designed for meal service providers.
- Set up EBT payment processing: Once approved, the site will need to install or coordinate access to an EBT-compatible payment system to process transactions.
- Maintain compliance: Approved vendors must follow SNAP rules, maintain documentation, and be prepared for routine reviews or audits.
Supporting Partners Through Program Changes
At TRIO Community Meals, we understand that nutrition programs are evolving. Our role is to support the delivery of high-quality meals regardless of how programs are funded — whether they serve meals at no cost, incorporate EBT as part of their service model, or use a combination of approaches.
Partner with TRIO to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your program is prepared to serve more older adults with flexibility, consistency, and confidence. Contact us today.
