Federal Food Stamps In Fast Food Joints

The more than 44 million Americans who now receive federal SNAP benefits, also known as Food Stamps, are allowed to use these at restaurants in some US states, including fast food restaurants. California is just one state in which SNAP beneficiaries can get meals at eateries that include Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box, and KFC. Called the Restaurant Meals Program, the project was launched in 2004. The Los Angeles Times reports growing concern among local officials about SNAP beneficiaries making unhealthy food choices, because USDA, which is responsible for SNAP and all other federal nutrition programs, does not monitor which restaurants are allowed to accept SNAP benefits. In Los Angeles County, fast food joints account for 83% of the vendors who accept Food Stamps in the Restaurant Meals Program, according to the Times.