The bill H.151 aims to implement the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program in Vermont, with the intention of alleviating food insecurity among low-income households. It mandates that the State of Vermont shall participate in SNAP, replacing the previous language that allowed for optional participation. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that establishes the Restaurant Meals Program, which will be administered by the Agency of Human Services in collaboration with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The program will have voluntary participation from restaurants, which must meet specific eligibility criteria that promote local food availability, cultural diversity in food offerings, and geographic accessibility for eligible participants.

To support the implementation of the Restaurant Meals Program, the bill authorizes the creation of a new permanent position, the Restaurant Meals Program Coordinator, within the Agency of Human Services, and appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund for this role in fiscal year 2026. Furthermore, it allocates an additional $75,000 for equipment and start-up costs for participating restaurants. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to ensure a comprehensive implementation plan is developed.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-1701