SD3 - Virginia Restaurant Meals Program (Chapter 321, 2025)
Executive Summary: The Virginia Restaurant Meal Program (VRMP) expands food access in the Commonwealth by allowing eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. As of August 31, 2025, a total of 144 applications, representing 132 restaurants, have been submitted to become approved VRMP vendors. A total of 65 restaurants have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are currently participating in the program. An additional 37 restaurants have submitted applications and are awaiting federal approval. This report includes the names and addresses of all restaurants that have been approved to participate in the VRMP. One of the main challenges to expanding VRMP in the Commonwealth is a general lack of awareness regarding the program. A significant number of restaurant owners are either unaware of the program’s existence or do not fully comprehend its operational framework. This gap in knowledge constrains participation and hinders the program’s growth. Additionally, limited resources hinder expansion efforts. |