The Illinois Department of Human Services says its Restaurant Meals Program has reached 50 participating restaurants in 16 counties, and the state is working to expand it statewide.
The program allows eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program customers to buy meals at participating restaurants using their Link card. IDHS says the program provides access to prepared meals for more than 400,000 households that may have difficulty purchasing and preparing meals.
The program serves SNAP households where all members are one or more of the following:
- Age 60 and older
- Have a disability
- Spouses of eligible elderly or disabled customers
- Experiencing homelessness
IDHS says it is looking for more restaurants to join, with a long-term goal of establishing participation in every Illinois county.
"For SNAP households that may have difficulties with purchasing and preparing meals themselves, the RMP provides options to access prepared meals in their communities," said IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero. "We are proud to expand this program across the state and support access to food resources in Illinois."
The program launched as a pilot in 2022 and opened additional opportunities for restaurants to apply in June 2025.
Opportunities for restaurants
Restaurants interested in participating can complete an online intake survey to determine if they meet program requirements. Participating restaurants must provide a 10% discount on all menu items, cannot charge taxes or fees on RMP purchases, and must renew agreements every five years. Details are available at dhs.state.il.us.
Information for customers
A notice of eligibility is sent to households when they are determined eligible. Households can check their status by logging into their EBT account on the ebtEDGE app or online, or through a Manage My Case Account at ABE.Illinois.gov.
Customers with questions can call the IDHS Helpline at 1-800-843-6154, or 1-866-324-5553 TTY, or visit a local Family Community Resource Center.