Restaurants that accept EBT food stamps near me

Amal_Warda · April 16, 2022, 11:31pm

Restaurants that accept EBT food stamps near me: In states with restaurant meal programs, EBT can only be used in fast-food restaurants. Elderly, homeless, physically challenged, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients will be seen for EBT. Only a few fast-food places accept EBT for food that can be prepared at home. EBT foods are currently unavailable in several fast-food places. As long as you have your EBT card, the eateries listed above will sell you meals.

EBT-accepting restaurants include: Are you still unsure whether or not you can use your EBT to pay for fast-food meals? However, before you can use your EBT card in a restaurant, you must first qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which your state must offer for you to be able to purchase food at authorized restaurants.

So, if you’ve been asking yourself this question repeatedly, I’m happy to tell you that the answer is “YES,” you may use it to pay for your meals. We’ve also studied each state to see if you may spend your food stamps at local eateries because the Restaurant Meal Program is left up to the states!

Who is eligible for the RMP program, which states provide it, and which establishments in each state have been approved to accept EBT Food Stamps.

What is EBT, and how does it work?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer, abbreviated as EBT, is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize the transfer of government benefits from a federal account to a commercial account to pay for products received.

Since its implementation in 2004, the EBT has been utilized in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

The EBT system is based on the use of an EBT card, which functions similarly to a credit or debit card. For people, the card contains advantages such as cash and food stamps. The EBT card can also be used to pay for food at fast-food restaurants, which is the topic of this article.

The SNAP benefits are included in the EBT card. The SNAP benefit is simply a fancy moniker for the federally sponsored Food Stamps Program, which is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The goal of the SNAP benefit is to offer citizens nationally run assistance to help them achieve their nutritional needs.

To apply for food stamps, you must first contact the agency that administers these programs and then submit an application. Furthermore, before moving forward with your application, the agency will check to determine if you match all of the qualifying conditions. Benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are not available to everyone.

You will receive your EBT card in a few days once you have been approved for the SNAP benefit. The EBT card looks and functions similarly to a debit or credit card, allowing you to pay for food goods, in the same manner, you would with a debit or credit card.

Some things can be purchased with an EBT card, while others cannot. Food is one of the most common products for which food stamps are used. However, there are a few foods that are not covered by the SNAP benefit.

EBT is most commonly used for things that may be purchased and processed at home. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule. For example, you cannot use your EBT card to pay for hot food being prepared in a restaurant.

On the contrary, there are a few items that are not eligible for food stamps. Alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, ■■■■■■, tobacco, and cigarettes, paper products, such as towels, household supplies, prescriptions, and vitamins, freshly prepared foods, restaurant food, soaps, and pet needs are among these items. Both food and non-food items are included in this list of ineligible items.

Can EBT be used at Restaurants?

Unless your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, EBT cannot usually be used in restaurants.

“You cannot use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase hot food or food intended for immediate consumption at restaurants unless your State participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that serves the elderly, disabled, and/or homeless, and you are part of this target population,” according to the USDA.

Summary

The Electronic Benefits Transfer, abbreviated as EBT, is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize the transfer of government benefits from a federal account to a commercial account. The EBT card can also be used to pay for food at fast-food restaurants. The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is similar to a debit or credit card.

What is the Process of Using Food Stamps?

The Food Stamps Program, also known as SNAP, is a federally sponsored program operated at the state level by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides nutrition assistance to millions of low-income individuals and families.

If you want to apply for food stamps, you must do so through the state organization that administers the program. To be eligible for SNAP assistance, you must meet strict eligibility criteria and conditions, including income requirements.

However, if you are qualified for food stamps, you will be given an EBT Card, which functions similarly to a debit card and allows you to purchase foods on the authorized list at any approved merchant location.

What is the Restaurant Meal Program, and how does it work?

The Restaurant Meals Program has been an important feature of the food stamps program since 1977. It allows SNAP participants who are elderly, disabled, or homeless to purchase food at recognized eateries. The Restaurant Meals Program is open to any state or county.

The program’s goal is to enable people who don’t have a place to keep and cook food, are unable to prepare food, or don’t have access to a grocery store to gain access to food.

Who Can Participate in the Restaurant Meal Program?

You may recall that the Restaurant Meals Program was developed for those who do not have a place to store and cook food, as well as those who are unable to prepare meals or do not have access to a grocery store.

So, here’s a list of persons that are regarded as eligible for the program, as well as what qualifies them for it:

1. Those who are homeless

The poorest people on the planet are the homeless. They have to deal with a slew of issues, including housing and food. They also don’t have a fixed or regular place to stay at night. As a result, those who are homeless can use an EBT card to purchase food.

Their living quarters should be in an area that is not intended for sleeping. This covers folks who are temporarily residing in someone else’s home (90 days or less).

2. Senior citizens

Older folks earn less money because they do not work as hard as young people do. They should not, however, be denied nourishment. When you reach the age of 60, you will be eligible for an EBT card, which will allow you to purchase meals in restaurants.

Elderly folks in the United States of America are at the top of the priority list for receiving various benefits and support.

3. Persons with disabilities

People with impairments face numerous challenges in everyday life. Disabled persons are also entitled to a variety of services. This impairment should be adequately specified by the government entity, such as chronic mental illness or developmental, physical incapacity.

4. Persons who are elderly or disabled

To be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program, an individual or family must include only individuals who are 60 years old or older, or who have been declared disabled by a government agency, or an elderly or disabled person and his or her spouse.

HAPPY EATING McDonald’s is among the fast-food businesses that accept food stamps but only in six states. Food stamp recipients who are unable to prepare their meals may be able to use their benefits at fast-food restaurants.

Every month, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists about 41.5 million Americans. The program, formerly known as food stamps, now includes a restaurant meals program that allows participating establishments to accept EBT cards.

SNAP benefits are available to low-income individuals and families that qualify. Benefits are paid on a specific day each month, depending on your state. The funds are distributed via an EBT card, which works similarly to a debit card and may be used to purchase food at designated retail food outlets.

You must apply for SNAP in your home state, and each state has its application form and procedure. The program has been expanded by the federal government to allow states to participate in the SNAP restaurant meals program (RMP).

Top 5 EBT-Accepting Restaurants

The SNAP program provides food assistance to the homeless, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in several states. People must present an EBT card to ensure that the establishment can serve low-cost food. Arizona, California, Hawaii, Michigan, Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, and several other states accept EBT cards. As a result, we’ll go over these states and eateries that accept EBT briefly.

Arizona

Arizona is a state in the United States of America where the restaurant meal program is heavily utilized. This lunch program is part of a hunger alleviation initiative.

People with EBT cards are eligible to participate in the meal program, and it is their primary criterion. Furthermore, not everyone is eligible for this restaurant meal program. This program prioritizes people over the age of 60 with disabilities who are also homeless.

You are Arizona residents, and you are quite fortunate. If you require an emergency meal program through SNAP, you simply fill out the application. All you have to do now is complete the Health-e-Arizona Application.

To get accepted right away, you must enter your information. It’s also worth noting that, in addition to food from meal programs, you’ll get health insurance, financial help, and nutrition support. So, let’s have a look at the EBT-accepting establishments.

Subway
Jack in the Box
KFC Taco Bell
Dominos

California

California is another well-known state in the United States. If you live in this state, you are fortunate to know that this state offers a meal program using EBT cards. CarFresh is the name of the restaurant’s meal program. If you are disabled, over 60, and homeless, you may be eligible for an EBT card. However, you must register at the county level.

It’s also worth noting that this restaurant meal package isn’t accessible in every California city. You’ll need to check the availability for this. Additionally, you should adhere to the same eligibility requirements as Arizona.

The following restaurants accept EBT:

Starbucks
Subway
Pizza hut

Hawaii

You can’t afford to buy groceries in Hawaii? There should be no cause for concern. In this state, there is a restaurant meal program. The fact that you may consume so many traditional cuisines with an EBT card is a unique aspect of this state. The SNAP program is the most well-known version of this program.

If you are disabled or elderly, you may be eligible for this program, which allows you to acquire meals at a low cost. You must complete the application process to be considered qualified, and you can do so online. You go to a local website and fill out an application form with the necessary details. You may also look for a list of restaurants in Hawaii on the USDA website.

The eateries that accept EBT are as follows:

Taco Bell
Sprouts Farmers Market
Waba Grill

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the restaurant program is extensively offered. SNAP restaurant leans that let you eat healthier today seem to be the name of this program. This program does not serve everyone, but it does serve those with disabilities, the elderly, and the homeless.

The most crucial thing to remember is that you can obtain this program from any nearby location. EatBetterToday has a website where you may acquire more specific information. Thousands of Rhode Islanders, according to their website, are unaware of the program and suffer from malnutrition.

We don’t know which eateries accept the EBT card because we don’t have that information. Furthermore, many are unaware of the eligibility requirements and application process. However, using this website to obtain a restaurant’s meal package is simple. You may do this by searching for restaurants that accept EBT near me. You will undoubtedly receive a plethora of restaurant-related results.

Florida

Another state with a restaurant meals program in Florida. Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC are just a few of the well-known restaurants. However, it should be mentioned that this feeding program is exclusively available to the homeless.

Another point to consider is that not all cities and counties provide a food program. If you live in Alachua County, you are extremely fortunate to have access to this service. What you need to know about restaurants in each state: Each state’s restaurant meals program must be understood.

Small restaurants may be able to offer this lunch service in all states. These establishments must be registered and take part in the program. So, the best thing to do is to choose restaurants carefully so that you don’t end up at EBT-favored eateries where you have to pay after you’ve eaten.

Here is a comprehensive list of restaurants that accept EBT, however you need to check to see if these eateries are available in your state.

24th st Pizza & Gyros
Blimpie
Burger Shoppe
CiCi’s Pizza
Dairy Queen
Denny’s
Domino’s Pizza
Eegees
El Pollo Loco
Fat Sub
Firestone Subs
Golden Corral
Harris and Smith Coffee Company
Helpings Café and Market
Jack in the Box
Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
KFC
Moon Light Family Restaurant
Papa John’s Pizza
Papa Murphy’s
Rally’s Hamburgers
Smoke Dem Bones BBQ
Speedy Street Tacos Corp
Subway
Taco Bell
Tasty Box
Uncle Sam’s
Waba Grill
Great Steaks
Quiznos
Popeye’s

Which states provide SNAP restaurant meals?

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified at least six states as RMP participants. SNAP is administered by the USDA, which is a federal agency.

Restaurant meals are available in the following states:

Arizona
California
Maryland
Michigan
Rhode Island
Virginia

DeWitt County and a few zip areas in Cook County, Illinois are testing a restaurant meals program. A request for authorization to accept EBT cards must be submitted by the eatery. It must also be in DeWitt or Cook counties, with the following zip codes: 60617, 60619, 60620, or 60628.

The Cook County zip codes are home to the city of Chicago. New York is likewise implementing a statewide RMP, which is awaiting USDA clearance. In October 2021, New York’s government passed legislation allowing eligible SNAP beneficiaries to utilize their benefits to purchase prepared or hot food at reduced prices from selected eateries and delis.

Restaurants that participate in the SNAP restaurant meals program

In several states, the following chains participate in the program:

Burger King
Denny’s
Domino’s Pizza
Jack in the Box
Jamba Juice
KFC
McDonald’s
Papa Murphy’s
Popeye’s
Pizza Hut
Rally’s Hamburgers
Subway
Taco Bell
Wendy’s

It’s worth noting that not all fast-food restaurants accept EBT cards. The number of people who participate will vary depending on where they live and what state they live in. Because each franchise is individually owned and maintained, each restaurant will require authorization to participate in the RMP.

Summary

The Food Stamps Program, also known as SNAP, provides nutrition assistance to millions of low-income individuals and families. The Restaurant Meal Program has been an important feature of the program since 1977. It allows SNAP participants who are elderly, disabled, or homeless to purchase food at recognized eateries.

List of Products that You Can & Cannot Currently Purchase with SNAP

The items you can currently buy with SNAP are listed below. As a result, if you are now getting food stamps, you are permitted to purchase food to take home and prepare at home. This rule does not apply to hot food or restaurant purchases. There are, however, some exceptions, which we will discuss further below.

However, here is a list of items you may and cannot buy with SNAP:

What You Can Buy:

Bread and cereals;
Fruits and vegetables;
Meats, fish, and poultry; and
Dairy products.
Seeds and plants produce food for the household to eat.

What You Can’t Buy:

The following items are not allowed to be purchased with your EBT card:

Beer, wine, cigarettes, or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as:
pet foods
soaps, paper products
household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Food that will be eaten in the store
Hot foods

Fast Food Restaurants that Accept EBT According to States

California

Burger King
Carl’s Jr.
Church’s Chicken
Del Taco
Denny’s
Domino’s Pizza
El Pollo Loco
Great Steaks
Jack in the Box
Jamba Juice
KFC
Papa Murphy’s
Popeye’s
Pizza Hut
Quiznos
Rally’s Hamburgers
Subway
Taco Bell
Wendy’s
Wienerschnitzel

Participating Counties: Alameda County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, Sacramento County, San Diego County, San Francisco County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Clara County, and Santa Cruz County

Rhode Island

Subway

Arizona

The following fast-food restaurants in Arizona participate in the Restaurant Meals Program:

24th st Pizza & Gyros
Blimpie
Burger Shoppe
CiCi’s Pizza
Dairy Queen
Denny’s
Domino’s Pizza
Eagles
El Pollo Loco
Fat Sub
Firestone Subs
Golden Corral
Harris and Smith Coffee Company
Helpings Cafe and Market
Jack in the Box
Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
KFC
Moon Light Family Restaurant
Papa John’s Pizza
Papa Murphy’s
Rally’s Hamburgers
Smoke Dem Bones BBQ
Speedy Street Tacos Corp
Subway
Taco Bell
Tasty Box
Uncle Sams
WaBa Grill

Hawaii

Hawaii has been granted permission to join the Restaurant Meals Program; however, we do not yet have a list of participating eateries.

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Human Services received approval to participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program this summer (RMP).

Qualifying SNAP households will be able to use their EBT card to purchase hot meals at participating restaurants as a result of this change to the Illinois food stamps program. The state of Illinois is officially accepting restaurant applications for the program. Click here for additional information and to apply for the Restaurant Meals Program.

The RMP will be rolled out to food stamp recipients in Illinois in the coming months. Once the list of participating fast food and restaurant places is provided, we will update this site.

Maryland

For qualifying food stamp EBT Cardholders, the Maryland Department of Human Services has approved the Restaurant Meals Program. The DHS is now testing the program in a few Maryland counties. As the initiative expands in the coming months, more counties will be added.

The Maryland Department of Health and Human Services is now accepting applications for eateries to participate in the RMP. Once we have that information, we will update this site with a list of all participating fast-food franchises and restaurants in Maryland.

Michigan

Michigan stated in December 2020 that food stamps would soon be accepted at restaurants and fast food establishments across the state. The Restaurant Meals Program has yet to be officially launched in Michigan by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Individuals receiving food assistance benefits (FAP) will be able to use their Michigan Bridge Card to purchase prepared food from restaurants under the Michigan Restaurant Meal Program. Once we have that information, we will update this article with a list of establishments that participate in the Michigan Restaurant Meal Program.

New York

Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, signed legislation in October 2021 creating a statewide Restaurant Meals Program as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This implies that eligible food stamp recipients will soon be able to purchase hot meals using their New York EBT Card at participating restaurants and fast food outlets. The program is currently accepting applications from fast-food restaurants in New York. We’ll update this post with a list of all participating New York restaurants once the program is launched.

Rhode Island

The following restaurants in Rhode Island participate in the Restaurant Meals Program:

Subway
Federal Hill Pizza

Summary

The items you can buy with SNAP are listed below. If you are getting food stamps, you are permitted to purchase food to take home and prepare at home. The following items are not allowed to be purchased with your EBT card: Beer, wine, ■■■■■■, cigarettes, or tobacco.

Using Your EBT Card at a Fast Food Restaurant

It’s simple to use your SNAP EBT Card to get ready-to-eat hot meals at restaurants and fast food joints. If you want to use your EBT card to buy food at a restaurant, you’ll have to swipe it or run it through a point-of-sale machine, just like you do now at the grocery store.

The following is how it works:

Locate a nearby participating restaurant or fast-food chain. A Restaurant Meals sign will be displayed in the window of eligible locations.
Use your EBT Card to pay for hot meals at the restaurant (breakfast, lunch, or supper).
To complete your transaction, follow the on-screen instructions and input your 4-digit EBT Card PIN.
Take a look at your receipt to check how much money is left on your food stamps EBT card account.

Restaurants that don’t Accept EBT Food Stamps

Are you taken aback? No, Because there must be a judas in every disciple, in this situation, there are fast-food establishments that do not accept EBT but participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.

These restaurants include:

A&W Restaurants
Arby’s
Chick-fil-A
Chipotle
Cinnabon
Dairy Queen
Dunkin’ Donuts
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Five Guys
Hardee’s
In-N-Out Burger
Krispy Kreme
Long John Silver’s
McDonald’s
Panda Express
Panera Bread
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Shake Shack
Starbucks
TCBY
Tim Hortons
Whataburger
Wingstop
WingStreet
Zaxby’s

Summary

You can use your SNAP EBT Card to get ready-to-eat hot meals at restaurants and fast food joints. Some restaurants don’t accept EBT but participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. The program allows you to pay for hot meals by swiping or running your card through a machine. In 1977, the federal Food Stamp Act gave states permission to start the Restaurant Meals Program.

Qualifications needed for an EBT card

There are specific requirements, and not everyone will be eligible for the card. Your income will be compared to the federal poverty threshold to see if you qualify. People with impairments and less privilege, on the other hand, are usually taken into account.

What can I do to bring this program to my community?

If you want to see EBT-accepting fast food establishments in your region, contact your local legislators! On USA.gov, you can simply locate your elected leaders. As previously stated, states have had this choice since 1977, although it is rarely exercised.

We’ve included an example message below to assist you. If you want to copy and paste it, just be sure to replace the names!

Dear [Elected Official],

In 1977, the federal Food Stamp Act gave states permission to start the Restaurant Meals Program. This program gives meals to vulnerable and at-risk populations, such as the homeless and the elderly, who are unable to make their own meals. These qualified individuals can use their food benefits to purchase low-cost meals at participating restaurants like Subway.

This approach has been adopted successfully in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, and Rhode Island.

Kindly do act to bring the Restaurant Meals Program to our state.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Is Using an EBT Card Similar to Using a Credit Card?

An EBT card, also known as an electronic benefits transfer card, is a card with a magnetic strip that is used to pay for benefits from programs like SNAP and Cash Assistance. EBT cards work in the same way as debit cards in that consumers are granted a monthly allowance based on their earnings and family size, and their balance decreases with each purchase.

Cash EBT Benefits

Every month, a set amount of money is placed into the recipient’s cards, based on their earnings and family size; however, this money can only be spent on specific items, as determined by the program. SNAP benefits, for example, are exclusively used to purchase food for the family. ■■■■■■, cigarettes, medications, and multivitamins are not included.

FAQ’s

Following are the questions that people usually ask about this keyword:

1. Do restaurants accept food stamps?

Is it possible to utilize EBT in a restaurant? Unless your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, EBT cannot usually be used in restaurants.

2. Does McDonald’s accept EBT in Illinois?

McDonald’s does not accept EBT as a form of payment, either in-store or at the drive-thru. If you get TANF payments, you can withdraw the money and utilize it at McDonald’s.

3. Does Burger King take EBT cards?

Burger King is an exception to the rule that restaurants do not accept EBT payments. Burger King, according to QuerySprout, accepts SNAP EBT cards at participating locations; however, this varies by location and state.

4. Can you buy hot food with EBT in Illinois?

Starting in late Spring 2022, Illinois has chosen to participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). RMP allows certain SNAP-eligible families to use their benefits to buy hot meals at participating establishments.

5. Does Starbucks EBT?

"Starbucks, as a policy, does not accept food stamp cards for payment at its company-operated outlets," the representative explained. Some of our licensees, notably those in food shops, may, nevertheless, accept these as payment."

6. Where is EBT accepted?

Your EBT card will be accepted at most major grocery stores and shops, including Walmart and Target. Some pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, will accept EBT for qualified food products as well. An EBT card can also be used at select convenience stores and gas stations, as well as farmers’ markets and local food cooperatives.

7. What does EBT stand for?

Transfer of Benefits by Electronic Means

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows SNAP participants to use their benefits to pay for food.

8. Can you use EBT on Amazon?

Sign-up and SNAP

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is running a pilot program to take SNAP EBT online, and Amazon is a part of it. Customers in all states except Alaska and Hawaii who have a valid SNAP EBT card can currently utilize their SNAP funds on Amazon.

9. Can you pay for groceries online with EBT?

Did you know that you may now purchase fresh produce and groceries with your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits? Online retailers that take SNAP benefits are now accepting online orders and will deliver to you.

10. How long can I use EBT in another state?

Your EBT card can be used in other states. (If you’re intending to relocate, call ACCESS customer support at 850-300-4323.) Your benefits will be kept in your account(s) for a total of 365 days (12 months/1 year). Any advantage that you do not use during the 365-day term will be deducted from your account.

Conclusion

In states with restaurant meal programs, EBT can only be used in fast-food restaurants. Elderly, homeless, physically challenged, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients will be seen for EBT. Only a few fast-food places accept EBT for food that can be prepared at home. EBT foods are currently unavailable in several fast-food places. As long as you have your EBT card, the eateries listed above will sell you meals.

Restaurants that accept EBT food stamps near me