Fast-food chains have received more than $524 million in taxpayer funds over the past three years through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to estimates from a group of eight U.S. lawmakers. The lawmakers are calling for a review of the program's Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) component, which allows SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants.
In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the lawmakers stated that what was initially intended as a limited accommodation for individuals unable to store or prepare food has grown to be dominated by large national fast-food chains. They are urging the departments to assess whether tighter rules are needed to promote healthier restaurant options.
"SNAP is intended to feed hungry families with nutritious food, but loopholes have funneled half-a-billion dollars to burgers and fries," said U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who is leading the group. "The 'N' in SNAP stands for 'nutrition,' after all, not nuggets."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responded by stating its commitment to conducting rigorous integrity reviews across all USDA programs. The lawmakers also noted that the RMP structure should be examined in light of current efforts to address diet-related chronic diseases.
Currently, nine states are enrolled in SNAP's restaurant program: New York, California, Arizona, Michigan, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, and Maryland. California accounted for the largest portion of this spending, with approximately $475 million directed to fast-food chains between June 2023 and May 2025. Arizona followed with $41.4 million, and New York with $3.6 million.
The participation of states in the RMP has fluctuated over the years. While 19 states were enrolled in 2003, this number dropped to four by 2018. However, by 2019, the trend reversed, with states like California expanding eligibility for restaurant participation statewide. California now has over 5,800 restaurants involved in the RMP.
The RMP's origins trace back to the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, which first allowed for assistance with prepared meals for those lacking adequate food storage or preparation facilities. The lawmakers involved in the letter include U.S. Representatives Ben Cline of Virginia, Beth Van Dune of Texas, Randy Fine of Florida, Brandon Gill of Texas, Daniel Webster of Florida, Michael Cloud of Texas, and Mike Kennedy of Utah.