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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont creates Restaurant Meals Program to allow SNAP benefits use at participating eateries
Last action · February 4, 2025: Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and WelfareSponsors: Ruth Hardy and 7 others
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What This Bill Would Do
Vermont requires state participation in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's , allowing eligible low-income residents to purchase prepared food using benefits starting July 1, 2025. The Agency of Human Services and Agency of Commerce and Community Development will administer the program, establish voluntary restaurant criteria, and provide technical assistance. The bill also appropriates $175,000 in 2026 for a new coordinator position and restaurant startup costs.
Low-income residents who lack cooking facilities or are elderly, disabled, or unhoused gain the ability to buy prepared meals using food assistance benefits, while participating local restaurants receive technical assistance and startup funding.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants
Eligible low-income residents gain the ability to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants using their benefits.
Vermont restaurants
Food establishments have the voluntary option to apply to participate, receive technical assistance, and access startup cost funding.
Agency of Human Services
The agency is tasked with administering the program, collaborating with federal authorities, establishing criteria, and employing a new coordinator.
Key Facts
- The State of Vermont shall participate in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under 7 U.S.C. chapter 51.
- The Agency of Human Services, in consultation with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, shall administer the Restaurant Meals Program.
- Restaurant participation in the Restaurant Meals Program is voluntary and requires a license pursuant to 18 V.S.A. chapter 85.
- Eligibility criteria for participating restaurants must promote locally produced foods, foods representing diverse cultural traditions, and geographic diversity across the State.
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- The Agency of Human Services shall collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to submit an implementation plan and memorandum of understanding template.
- One new permanent classified position, Restaurant Meals Program Coordinator, is authorized within the Agency of Human Services in fiscal year 2026.
- The bill appropriates $100,000.00 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2026 to support the new coordinator position.
- The bill appropriates $75,000.00 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2026 to cover equipment and restaurant startup costs.
- The act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Restaurant Meals Program?
Are restaurants required to participate in the program?
How much funding is appropriated to start the program in fiscal year 2026?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Feb 4, 2025SenateIntroducedRead 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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