The RMP is a program that gives certain people that are at a high risk for chronic hunger the option to use their CalFresh Food benefits to buy prepared meals at approved participating restaurant vendors. The RMP is available to older adults aged 60 or older, people with disabilities, and homeless persons, and their spouses.

Originally established in 1978 as a program to provide older adults and/or people with disabilities who are recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits the option to purchase prepared food at authorized restaurant vendors, in 1996, the program was expanded to serve SNAP recipients who are homeless. In California, the RMP began as a pilot program in the early 2000s in San Francisco County, and has grown overtime to include18 counties. Effective October 12, 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 942 mandated that CDSS implement the RMP as a statewide program.

As a result of the AB 942, restaurant vendors who are federally approved may participate in the RMP statewide, within all 58 counties in California. As of September 1, 2021, the RMP has expanded to a statewide program.