Restaurant Meals Program

New hot-meal option for Colorado SNAP recipients

The law creates Colorado’s Restaurant Meals Program for qualifying SNAP recipients to buy hot or prepared meals at participating restaurants. Colorado must apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval by January 1, 2026. The program requires USDA approval, and recipients must meet USDA’s program eligibility rules. After approval, Colorado’s Office of Economic Security must publish an implementation plan and recipient eligibility rules on its website, subject to available funding. The state must then adopt program rules, also subject to available funding. These rules must explain eligibility checks and set a state application process and requirements for restaurants. Restaurants must have a Colorado public health license and USDA approval to accept SNAP. Rules may encourage local foods, culturally diverse meals, service across different regions, and pay-what-you-choose options in underinvested communities. With available funding, the office may help restaurant applicants and participants and hire an outside provider for outreach and support. Its annual report to legislative committees must track implementation, list approved restaurants’ names and addresses, and count eligible recipients by county. The law sets no program opening date or benefit amount.