For Restaurants

VRMP Home

What is the VRMP?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who are 60 or older, have a disability and/or are unhoused (and their spouses) are now eligible to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase meals from restaurants approved by the USDA. This is a tremendous step towards fighting food insecurity for Virginia’s large population of elderly and persons with permanent disabilities who may have difficulty preparing meals for themselves. It also provides unhoused populations with the opportunity to purchase meals if they do not have a place to store and cook food.

VDSS offers your business an opportunity to increase revenue while serving your community by participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.

Why participate?

Community Engagement: Show your commitment to the community by helping those struggling with food insecurity. Become a neighborhood favorite and foster goodwill.
Marketing Opportunities: Participating restaurants are promoted through VDSS channels, raising your visibility and attracting more customers.
New Revenue Stream: Receive revenue through a new source of income for your business.
Streamlined Transactions: SNAP meal transactions happen through a dedicated point-of-sale device for a smooth purchasing experience.

Partnering with the VRMP

There are no fees to participate in the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program. However, retailers are required to have a point-of-sale (POS) system that can process debit, credit and EBT cards. Retailers are responsible for all costs associated with operating commercial POS equipment.

The steps to participate in VRMP are easy:

Complete a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Submit an application to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
Obtain a POS machine for EBT use.

Click here to access the application materials. Once approved, FNS will send the retailer a certification number to accept SNAP benefits under the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program. If the retailer already has an FNS number, a separate number will be necessary to participate in the VRMP. Please contact VDSS with the new FNS certification number once received.

VDSS will provide Virginia Restaurant Meals Program signage for display within the restaurant.

Interested in learning more? Read about our application process or contact VRMP@dss.virginia.gov for more information.

Application Process for Restaurants

Follow the steps below to apply to be a VRMP participating restaurant:

Enter into an MOU agreement with the VDSS.
- To participate in the VRMP, restaurant owners must enter into agreement with VDSS. Restaurants owners must complete the Restaurant Agreement (MOU) for each restaurant submission.
- Email the completed Restaurant Agreement (MOU) to VRMP@dss.virginia.gov.
- VDSS will contact the restaurant owner once the Restaurant Agreement with VDSS is approved, or further information is needed.
- Once the Restaurant Agreement (MOU) is approved by VDSS, VDSS will send restaurant owners instructions for obtaining the FNS form that must be completed to finish the application process.
- The application package will consist of the (1) signed Restaurant Agreement (MOU) provided by VDSS, (2) the completed FNS form and (3) required supporting documentation, as noted in the FNS form.
Once the restaurant owner completes the VRMP application package:
- VDSS will review the completed application and send it to USDA-FNS for review.
- FNS has 45 days to make an authorized decision and let VDSS know if the restaurant owner's application has been approved, denied or needs further information.
- VDSS will contact the restaurant owner with the final decision on the VRMP application.

Once approved, the retailer must acquire a point-of-sale (POS) device: Guidance for Selecting a TPP for Paid SNAP EBT Equipment and Services (FNS.USDA.gov)

Note: RMP restaurant vendors are responsible for the cost of setting up a POS machine. In addition, the POS device must be in full operation before an announcement is made to the public on behalf of the vendor.

Click here for frequently asked questions (FAQ)