Millions in SNAP Funds Spent at Fast-Food Chains in Nine States, Including Massachusetts

Massachusetts and Rhode Island are among nine states that permit SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to be used for purchasing fast food meals from restaurants participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

Fox News reported that the "modern-day" SNAP program, established in 1964, was intended to "provide basic food needs such as meats, fruits, and vegetables to financially vulnerable Americans."

"Hot foods or foods meant for immediate consumption" were not allowed, as recipients were encouraged to prepare nutritional meals at home.

What Is the Restaurant Meals Program?

However, the network notes that a 1977 loophole "allowed states to opt into a program called the Restaurant Meals Program, which was established to allow homeless individuals who do not have a kitchen to purchase prepared meals using SNAP benefits."

Further expansion allowed disabled and elderly recipients to take advantage of the RMP program.

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Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa stated, "$524 million has been spent, almost exclusively on fast food in nine states over the past two years." Sen. Ernst believes the cost to taxpayers is extreme and unfair.

A statement posted to Ernst's website says, "To stop this abuse and restore the SNAP program to its original mission of providing nutrition to food-insecure Americans, Ernst is introducing the McStopping Chains from Using SNAP EBT to Make Entrees (McScuse Me) Act."

Which States Participate and How Much Is Spent?

According to Ernst, from June 2023 to May 2025, of the nine states participating in the RMP, Massachusetts spent the sixth-highest amount of taxpayers' money on SNAP restaurant sales ($649,000). Rhode Island was fifth  with $995,900 in taxpayer dollars.

California spent the most on the RMP, followed by Arizona, New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia and Maryland.

What Restaurants Participate in the RMP in Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services has a list of Massachusetts restaurants and food trucks that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. The list does not include many of the fast-food mega chains; however, SNAP recipients in California can use their benefits at McDonald's, Jack in the Box, and Domino's Pizza.