California Leads in SNAP Restaurant Spending: Rep. Gill Pushes to End Program
Over $524 million in SNAP benefits were used at approved restaurants in nine states from June 2023 to May 2025, with California accounting for the majority of the spending. Freshman Rep. Brandon Gill introduced a bill to end the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows certain SNAP recipients to buy hot meals at restaurants. Gill believes the program has strayed from its original purpose of helping struggling Americans access nutritious food. California led in spending with approximately $475 million, followed by Arizona, New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, and Maryland.
California's CalFresh program serves over 5 million people, with roughly 13% of Californians relying on EBT benefits for food purchases. Los Angeles County alone has more than 1.5 million EBT users, and children make up about 40% of statewide CalFresh enrollment. The Restaurant Meals Program is currently available in nine states, with California expanding it statewide to include popular areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Approved restaurants, including major chains like Subway, KFC, Taco Bell, and McDonald's, accept benefits, but only eligible households with elderly, disabled, homeless, or qualifying spouses can use the program.
Gill's proposed legislation aims to eliminate the restaurant component of the program while maintaining provisions for public and nonprofit organizations to provide meals to certain elderly and disabled recipients. The USDA designed the Restaurant Meals Program to assist individuals who cannot prepare meals themselves or lack permanent housing for cooking. Gill's efforts align with previous calls from Republican lawmakers to review the program, citing its expansion beyond its original purpose and dominance by major fast-food chains. The Trump administration's initiative to limit SNAP purchases of unhealthy products like soda and candy is also referenced by Gill in his push to end the restaurant loophole in SNAP benefits.
In conclusion, the debate over the Restaurant Meals Program continues as lawmakers like Rep. Brandon Gill advocate for its elimination, citing concerns about taxpayer-funded fast food purchases through SNAP benefits. The significant disparity in spending between California and other states raises questions about the program's effectiveness and alignment with SNAP's intended purpose of providing nutritious food assistance to those in need.