(a) In this section, “RMP” means the Restaurant Meals Program.
(b) (1) There is a Restaurant Meals Program within the food supplement 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 food supplement program benefit.
(d) A household is eligible to participate in the RMP if the household is eligible to receive food supplement 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 Program, 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 food supplement 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.