CO SB169

Requires the Colorado Department of Human Services to submit an application to the USDA by January 1, 2026, to implement a Restaurant Meals Program allowing eligible SNAP recipients to purchase hot or prepared foods at participating restaurants.

Eligible SNAP recipients must meet USDA eligibility criteria for the program, which typically includes elderly, disabled, or homeless individuals who cannot prepare meals at home.

Participating restaurants must be licensed by the Department of Public Health and Environment and authorized by USDA to accept SNAP benefits.

Rules may encourage participating restaurants to procure locally produced foods, serve culturally diverse foods, operate in geographically diverse regions, and offer pay-what-you-can options in underinvested communities.

The Office of Economic Security must publish an implementation plan and provide annual reports to legislative committees including participating restaurant information and eligible recipient counts by county.