Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) - Business Owner Information

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 can use this service?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011
  • Mandated Reporter