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 the program statewide.

The program allows eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program customers to buy meals at participating restaurants using their Link card. IDHS says it provides access to prepared meals for more than 400,000 households that may have difficulty purchasing and preparing meals themselves.

The program serves SNAP households in which all members meet one or more of the following:

  • Are age 60 and older
  • Have a disability
  • Are spouses of eligible elderly or disabled customers
  • Are experiencing homelessness

IDHS says it is looking for more restaurants to join, with a long-term goal of having 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.

Information for restaurants

Restaurants interested in participating can complete an online intake survey to determine if they meet program requirements. According to IDHS:

  • Participating restaurants must provide a 10% discount on all menu items.
  • Taxes and fees cannot be charged on program purchases.
  • Restaurant agreements are renewed every five years.

More information is available at the IDHS website.

Information for customers

IDHS says a notice of program 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 by logging into a Manage My Case Account at ABE.Illinois.gov.

Customers with questions can call the IDHS Helpline at 1-800-843-6154, visit a local Family Community Resource Center, or view the full list of participating restaurants at the IDHS website.