Section 5-505 - Restaurant Meals Program(a) In this section, "RMP" means the Restaurant Meals Program.(b)(1) There is a Restaurant Meals Program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the Department.(2) The purpose of the RMP is to expand food access to individuals who: (i) do not have a place to store and cook food;(ii) may not be able to prepare food; or(iii) do not have access to a grocery store.(c) A household eligible under subsection (d) of this section to participate in the RMP may purchase hot prepared foods at participating restaurants using a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit.(d) A household is eligible to participate in the RMP if the household is eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under State and federal law, and the household: (1) lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;(2) includes only individuals who are: (i) 60 years of age or older; or(ii) designated disabled by a government entity;(3) includes only an individual and the individual's spouse if the individual is: (i) 60 years of age or older; or(ii) designated disabled by a government entity; or(4) includes only: (i) individuals who are 60 years of age or older; and(ii) individuals who are designated disabled by a government entity.(e) Before participating in the RMP, a restaurant shall:(1) submit an application and be approved under a process determined by the Department;(2) become a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provider licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and(3) be able to process electronic benefit transaction card payments at the point of sale.(f)(1) Each local department shall administer the RMP as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program authorized under § 5-501 of this subtitle, in accordance with federal law.(2) The Department shall adopt regulations: (i) to verify household eligibility for participation in the RMP;(ii) to establish eligibility standards, an application process, and an approval process for restaurants to participate in the RMP; and(iii) otherwise necessary to carry out this section.Amended by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 628,Sec. 1, eff. 5/8/2020.Amended by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 508,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2020.Added by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 475,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2019.