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119-s-3240119th CongressWALLET

McSCUSE ME Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

Introduced

Summary

Limits where and how SNAP EBT can buy prepared meals at stores. This bill would narrow the Restaurant Meals Program so only certain private retail food stores with prepared-food sections could accept SNAP benefits for ready-to-eat meals. It sets meal composition rules, bars spouses of recipients from participating, and requires public reporting.

Show full summary
  • Families and recipients: Households could redeem SNAP benefits for ready-to-eat meals only from a store’s prepared food section, hot bar, or deli counter. Eligible meals must be for immediate consumption and include at least one fruit or vegetable and one protein, and a spouse of an eligible individual would be barred from participating under this program.
  • Retail food stores: Only private retail food stores that operate a prepared-food section and are not primarily quick-service or fast-food outlets could participate. Participating establishments must meet applicable State and local grocery food safety and health standards.
  • State agencies and administration: The bill would create a single-authorization rule so authorized SNAP retailers need no separate approval to join this program. It would require EBT and retailer coding updates to restrict eligible redemptions and mandate a public Senate report listing participating establishments, amounts redeemed, number of participants, program costs, and effectiveness.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New limits on SNAP restaurant meals

This bill would narrow which stores could take SNAP for prepared meals. Only retail food stores with a deli, hot bar, or prepared-food section could participate. Stores mainly selling fast food would not qualify, as decided by the Secretary. You could use SNAP only for ready-to-eat meals that include at least one fruit or vegetable and one protein. A spouse of a SNAP-eligible person would not be eligible for this option. Stores already authorized under section 9 would not need a second authorization. The Secretary would require states to update EBT and retailer coding to enforce eligible-use restrictions. The Secretary would also report publicly to the Senate on participating stores, redemptions, recipient counts, costs, and program effectiveness.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ernst, Joni [R-IA]

IA • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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