Click through the accordion below to answer common questions about the Restaurant Meal Program.
Don’t see your question? Email Lesly Scott at lscott@baltimoremarkets.org.
Commonly used acronyms:
FNS (Food and Nutrition Service of USDA)
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
POS (Point of Sale Equipment or EBT card reader)
What is the process for businesses interested in RMP to submit an application to become an EBT vendor?
Follow the link for the Application (FNS-252 Form) AND the MOU between your business and the MD Department of Human Services (DHS). You must complete both forms.
What specific documents should be included in the packet?
- A copy of a government-issued photo identification card and a copy of a
Social Security card, or other verification of Social Security Number for
- All owners/partners
- Copy of MOU with MD DHS
- Copy of valid business license/health permit. (A health permit or business license is required for each location. It should be current and have the correct address of the location and correct ownership.)
- Signed certificate and signature statement (page 4) of the application, for each owner and/or partner
- FNS-252 Form – SNAP application for stores https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-apply
How long does it take to process an application?
Once USDA receives completed application package, FNS has 45 days to make an authorization decision. The average approval times varies based on application volume.
Are businesses that already accept EBT required to submit an application to participate in RMP?
A business cannot be both a retailer/food store and restaurant. A business can only qualify for one program or the other. A restaurant or carry-out food business is defined as a business with 50% or more of its gross sales in prepared foods.
Will I need to purchase equipment to process EBT transactions?
After you are authorized by FNS to accept EBT as a form of payment, you will need to choose a Point of Sale (POS) equipment. If you already have the equipment, talk to your current processor about programming it to accept EBT and to obtain cost information. A partial list of available vendors for EBT equipment and services can be found at this link: SNAP EBT Third Party Processor List. You are not required to select from one of the companies on the list; you should review the cost of leasing or purchasing equipment and services and make the best choice for your business.
Where can I get additional instruction on how to complete FNS 252-2 form?
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to complete FNS 252-2 form
Complete the application and the MOU and EMAIL to:
Shanise L. Smith
Contract Coordinator
Office of Benefits Access
Family Investment Administration
Maryland Department of Human Services
25 S. Charles Street, 16th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Shanise.Smith@maryland.gov
dhs.maryland.gov
(410)767-9880 (Office)
(410)333-6287 (Fax)