U.S. taxpayers are paying nearly $250 million each year in SNAP benefits used to purchase fast-food meals through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in nine U.S. states, many of which are traditionally Democratic-leaning. According to Sen. Joni Ernst’s office, these states include California, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia, with California alone accounting for over 90% of the funds spent on the program. The program, which allows participants to buy prepared meals using SNAP benefits, has come under scrutiny after a recent report highlighted concerns about its use for fast-food purchases such as burgers and fries.
Established in 1977 as a loophole to the SNAP program, the RMP originally aimed to provide meals for homeless individuals without access to a kitchen, as well as for disabled, elderly, and their spouses. Over time, the program expanded its eligibility, but its original purpose of providing nutrition rather than fast food has drawn criticism. Ernst’s office reported that from June 2023 to May 2025, over $475 million in taxpayer funds were allocated to the RMP, with California alone absorbing more than 90% of the total spending. This expansion, particularly under the Biden administration, has led to widespread fast-food participation, including major chains such as McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Jack in the Box in California.
Ernst has proposed legislation dubbed the ‘McSCUSE ME Act’ to tighten oversight of the RMP. The bill would maintain support for homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals but eliminate spousal eligibility and restrict fast-food vendors in favor of grocery stores with hot food options. Additional provisions require states to disclose annual reports on program participation, costs, and vendor numbers. The renewed scrutiny follows a record-breaking 43-day government shutdown that raised concerns about food assistance fraud and access to benefits, with the Trump administration now requiring all SNAP beneficiaries to reapply for the program in an effort to curb misuse.