Frequently Asked Questions

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps individuals and families with limited income buy food.

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Some farmers markets and food co-ops

The Virginia Restaurant Meals Program (VRMP) allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT card to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants.

This includes SNAP recipients who are:

• Age 60 or older
• Permanently disabled
• Experiencing homelessness

There is no fee to apply for the program.

However, participating restaurants must:

• Register with Virginia’s EBT vendor, Conduent
• Use an approved point-of-sale (POS) device, which may include equipment or service fees

Note: Restaurants that integrate EBT into an existing commercial POS system should contact their POS vendor about any additional costs.

Yes. Each restaurant location must submit its own application and agreement.

To participate, restaurant owners must:

• Complete a Restaurant Agreement (MOU) for each location
• Email the completed agreement to VRMP@dss.virginia.gov.
• After review, the Virginia Department of Social Services will send instructions for completing required USDA forms
• VDSS submits the completed application to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for review
• USDA-FNS makes a decision and notifies VDSS
• VDSS contacts the restaurant with the final decision

Once approved, the restaurant must obtain an approved POS device to process SNAP EBT transactions.

Most restaurants are authorized within 30 to 60 days.

Restaurants must notify both:

• VDSS, and
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Authorizations cannot be transferred to a new owner.
If ownership changes and the new owner wants to participate, they must submit a new application and agreement.

Approved POS devices automatically check eligibility.

If the EBT card is eligible for VRMP, the transaction will process—similar to a debit or credit card.

You may advise the customer to:

• Call the Conduent Customer Service Center at 866-281-2448, or
• Contact their local department of social services

Yes. If a customer’s EBT balance does not cover the full cost of the meal, restaurants may accept:

• SNAP EBT plus cash or a credit/debit card