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This rule aims to address current information and accountability gaps, by requiring that State agencies submit to FNS annual Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) operations plans and reports. It is a goal of the legislation and FNS that State agency operators of the RMP regularly assess programs against need; determine if it is effective at meeting the needs of the elderly, disabled, and homeless; monitor the RMP for possible fraud and abuse; and justify the continued operation of the program.  The proposed changes will help ensure the integrity of the program by requiring State operators to submit an annual plan which details concrete need” criteria for approval of private restaurant meal providers to offer meals to the targeted populations. The proposed regulatory changes would require the implementing State agency to demonstrate how the recipient populations referenced in Sections 3(k)(3), (4) and (9) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, are served by those providers it chooses to contract with to provide meals. There is also a statutory requirement for an annual report submission by State operators so that FNS can assess whether the RMP is meeting the needs of those it is designated to serve.