Illinois now has 50 restaurants where some SNAP households can buy a meal
The Restaurant Meals Program lets eligible older adults, people with disabilities, their spouses, and people experiencing homelessness buy prepared food with a Link card.
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Illinois said its Restaurant Meals Program has reached 50 participating restaurants in 16 counties. Shaw Local reported on October 11, 2026, that eligible SNAP customers can buy prepared meals there with a Link card. A household qualifies when members are 60 or older, have a disability, are spouses of those customers, or are experiencing homelessness. The state wants a participating restaurant in every county.
Restaurants in the program have to give a 10% discount on menu items, and they cannot add taxes or fees on these purchases. The expansion is a wider list of places to eat, not a new benefit for every SNAP household in the state.
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