Effective September 1, 2021, the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is available statewide. RMP allows elderly, disabled or homeless CalFresh recipients to purchase hot food at authorized restaurants. Previously, 18 counties operated RMP. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will operate RMP in counties that did not previously have it, and in counties that have chosen to transfer administration of their RMP to CDSS. CDSS’ administration includes vendor outreach and technical assistance, maintaining vendor agreements, supporting vendors in obtaining authorizes from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and program monitoring. CDSS will also be the RMP liaison between counties and FNS.
Counties that continue to administer RMP will need an outreach and marketing plan and outreach materials, will work with vendors and will enter into vendor agreements. (ACL 21-100, August 27, 2021.)