Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) - Business Owner Information

The County of San Luis Obispo is recruiting local restaurants for the Restaurant Meals Program. You may be able to increase your revenue, and provide a valuable service to the community by participating in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

Elderly, disabled and homeless individuals who receive CalFresh benefits are able to use their Golden State Advantage (EBT) cards to purchase meals from participating restaurants and delis.

What is the process?

How to become a RMP vendor

To participate in the RMP, the restaurant owner must first enter into an agreement with the state by completing the forms linked below:

California Department of Social Services application

The two forms, PSA and RMP Program and Restaurant Vendor Intake Form must be submitted to the CDSS RMP Unit at [email protected]. To be considered for a RMP agreement, CDSS must receive both forms.

CDSS application determination

The CDSS will review both forms and make a determination of RMP potential eligibility. If approved, they will provide the business vendor a signed PSA.

USDA-FNS application

To become an authorized RMP restaurant vendor, business owners must also apply federally with the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (USDA-FNS).
Review and complete the USDA SNAP APPLICATION FOR MEAL SERVICES (FNS 252-2) and gather all required supporting documentation, as noted in the FNS 252-2.

Submit the RMP application package to the USDA-FNS

Do not submit an application package to USDA-FNS until you have been approved by CDSS and received your signed PSA.
Once approved at the state level by the CDSS, submit your RMP application package to USDA-FNS via email to [email protected]. OR
You may also mail your application package to the following address:

USDA-Food and Nutrition Services
PO Box 7228
Falls Church, VA 22040

Your application package will consist of the signed PSA provided by the CDSS, the completed FNS 252-2, and required supporting documentation, as noted in the FNS 252-2.

USDA-FNS application determination

The USDA-FNS will review your RMP application package and respond with their determination
This process can take up to 4 months.
Please contact the USDA-FNS directly for updates on your application; CDSS will not have this information.

USDA-FNS Approval

Once approved, you must acquire a POINT OF SALE (POS) MACHINE that will accept CalFresh Food Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions and post the RMP VENDOR SIGNAGE on your restaurant storefront.
RMP restaurant vendors are responsible for the cost of setting up a POS Machine. In addition, the POS Machine must be in full operation before an announcement is made to the public of the restaurant vendor’s RMP status.

USDA-FNS Denial

If the application package is denied, you are welcome to reach out to FNS directly at 1-877-823-4369 for more information.

Who is eligible?

Restaurant owners who operate a restaurant located in San Luis Obispo County may use this service.

Is there a charge for this service?

There are no fees/dues that a restaurant owner must pay for the Restaurant Meals Program.

If you choose to sign up with the State’s EBT vendor you will be charged for the use of the Point-of-Sale (POS) device.

To learn more, contact goEBT about the RMP or visit www.goebt.com or contact goEBT by phone.
Email: [email protected]
Call: (800) 277-5165

Note: If you choose to integrate EBT into your current commercial Point-of-Sale equipment, you will need to contact your vendor and ask about additional fees.

When and where is this service offered?

Restaurant owners in San Luis Obispo County can apply to participate as a vendor of the Restaurant Meals Program by contacting the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) by email at [email protected] or their website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/rmp/partners.

FAQS

Are there any fees that I must pay to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?

There are no fees/dues that a restaurant owner must pay for the Restaurant Meals Program. However, if you choose to sign up with the State’s EBT vendor you will be charged for the use of the Point-of-Sale (POS) device.
To learn more, contact goEBT about the RMP:
Visit www.goebt.com or contact goEBT today:
Email: [email protected]
Call: (800) 277-5165
If you choose to integrate EBT into your current commercial Point-of-Sale equipment, you will need to contact your vendor and ask about additional fees.

Can a participating restaurant allow a mixed transaction (EBT CalFresh and EBT cash combined)?

Yes, you may process a mixed transaction when the EBT cardholder, eligible for both programs, informs the cashier that meal payment is EBT CalFresh and EBT cash combined.

Can I process an EBT cash transaction when the person wants to use the EBT cash as payment for meals?

Yes, an EBT cardholder not eligible for the program, and who has an EBT cash account on their card, may use it at any site with EBT equipment, including RMP sites. If the EBT cash account has a zero balance or has a balance lower than the transaction amount, the transaction will be denied.

How can I get more information or request that I be contacted about the program?

To receive information about the program, or be contacted regarding the program, call Robb Koch at 805-781-1895.

How can I handle a customer whose Golden State Advantage (EBT) card was denied when processed on the EBT/POS device?

Suggest that the customer contacts his/her Employment Resource Specialist at the Department of Social Services or calls the EBT Customer Service Center at (877) 328-9677 or the TYY at (800) 735-2929).

How can the eligible CalFresh recipient know that our restaurant is participating in the program?

You will be provided a RMP decal for placement on your business’ door or window. CalFresh recipients will be told to look for the logo to identify restaurants participating in RMP.
In addition, your restaurant’s name and address will be placed on a list of participating restaurants, which will be available to eligible participants and is listed on our website (insert link to List of Participating Restaurants.

How do I apply?

Complete the RMP Application Packet
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo
The FNS 252-2 Application for Meal Services with San Luis Obispo County. For help in completing the FNS 252-2, See instructions - Completing the USDA Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Application for Meal Services

Copies of the following documents for all owners/partners, all officers of private corporations and all spouses of owners/officers: a government issued photo identification card, a Social Security Card. This documentation is not required for publicly-owned corporations.
Copy of a valid health permit or business license for each location.

How do I know if a customer who provides a Golden State Advantage (EBT) card is eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program?

The state issued Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) equipment or your updated EBT integrated Point-of-Sale (POS) device has an Automated Eligibility Identifier that enables you to automatically identify if an EBT card can be processed for the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program. EBT cards work similar to debit and credit cards.

How do I submit my application for the RMP to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)?

The County will submit your completed application, approved MOU and all supporting documentation to FNS. You will be notified when your application has been approved.

When you have been notified that your restaurant/s has been approved and you receive a FNS Number from the USDA, please mail or FAX a copy of the approval to the county at:

Department of Social Services Restaurant Meals Program
PO Box 8119
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-9986
FAX: 805-781-1944

How long does it take to be reimbursed for the Golden State Advantage (EBT) card meal purchases?

EBT meals purchases are usually reimbursed within forty-eight hours. If you have questions about EBT reimbursement, call the Retailer Helpline at (866) 328-4212. Or visit www.ebtproject.ca.gov/

How long does it take to become an authorized restaurant?

The entire process to become authorized takes approximately 60 to 90 days.

I have more than one restaurant. Can I apply for all my restaurants to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?

Yes, you can apply for all your restaurants to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Only one MOU is required for two or more restaurants under the same ownership.

What happens if a participating restaurant changes ownership or closes for business?

The restaurant owner must notify the County, and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) when a restaurant changes ownership or closes. This ensures that the authorization is cancelled immediately since the previous owner's authorization is NOT TRANSFERABLE. If the new owner wants to continue to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, he/she must sign an MOU with the County and apply for authorization with the FNS.

What is the purpose of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?

The CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program is a voluntary option that enables elderly (age 60 or over), disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. Its goal is to provide a variety of nutritious meal choices to eligible CalFresh recipients who may have difficulty cooking, preparing and storing food.