September 3, 2026
The Honorable Brandon Gill
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Gill,
On behalf of National Taxpayers Union, the nation’s oldest taxpayer advocacy organization, I write to express our support for your legislation, the Ending Restaurant Purchases with SNAP Act of 2026. This legislation would repeal the Restaurant Meals Program within the Food Stamps program.
The purpose of the Food Stamp program is to raise the levels of nutrition among low-income households and to assist low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing their earnings.
Food Stamps are generally required to be used for food meant for consumption at home. Many states have begun working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote healthier food options by restricting the purchase of certain items with Food Stamp benefits.
However, nine states operate a Restaurant Meals Program that allows a limited number of recipients to use Food Stamps for prepared meals at restaurants. Historically, implementation of the Program was more narrowly tailored. Fast food restaurants now are the predominant participants in this program.
Thank you for your efforts on this issue. We look forward to working with you to advance this legislation and encourage all members of Congress to support it.
Sincerely,
Matthew Dickerson
Senior Fellow for Budget Policy