The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a vital initiative within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that empowers eligible recipients to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. This program serves as a crucial support system for individuals who face challenges in preparing their own meals, or those lacking stable housing with cooking and food storage facilities. But how does this program operate, and more importantly, how can you easily locate fast food restaurants that accept EBT near you? This comprehensive guide will delve into the essential details of the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program, providing you with the information you need.
Discovering Restaurants Accepting EBT
Locating restaurants that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program is easier than you might think. Participating states often provide accessible resources to help SNAP recipients find nearby options. Here are several effective methods:
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State Restaurant Locator Maps and Lists: Many states involved in the RMP maintain online interactive maps or comprehensive lists of participating restaurants on their official state websites. These resources are usually the most up-to-date and reliable sources of information. Check your state’s SNAP or social services website for a dedicated RMP section.
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Look for Signage at Restaurants: Participating restaurants often display clear signage indicating their involvement in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. These signs are typically placed in visible locations such as front windows, doors, or near cash registers.
Sign indicating participation in SNAP Restaurant Meals ProgramThe signage will often feature phrases like “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” and may also incorporate a symbol of a fork and knife. Keep an eye out for these indicators when you are out and looking for food. Participating restaurants are also required to offer a discounted meal option for SNAP participants on their menu, though you are not obligated to purchase this specific meal.
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Contact Your Local SNAP Office: For direct assistance, you can reach out to your local SNAP office. They can provide you with a list of restaurants participating in the RMP in your area and answer any specific questions you might have about the program in your state. You can find contact information for your local SNAP office on your state’s SNAP website.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card at Restaurants? Participating States
It’s important to note that the Restaurant Meals Program is not available nationwide. It is an optional program that states can choose to implement. Currently, only a select number of states have opted into the RMP. As of the latest information, these states are:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
If you reside in one of these states, you may be eligible to use your EBT card at participating restaurants if you meet the program’s eligibility criteria (discussed further below). It is always advisable to check your state’s specific SNAP website for the most current information on RMP participation, as program availability can change.
A Glimpse at Restaurants That Accept EBT: State by State Examples
While the full lists are available through the state links provided below, here’s a snapshot of some restaurants that participate in the RMP across participating states. This is not exhaustive, and availability can vary by location, so always verify with the restaurant or your state’s RMP resources.
Arizona: In Arizona cities like Chandler, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson, you can find options like Burger King, El Pollo Loco, Firehouse Subs, Jack in the Box, Subway, and McDonald’s participating in the RMP.
Find more eligible restaurants in Arizona
California: California, with broader participation, includes restaurants in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego. Look for Carl’s Jr, Subway, Jack in the Box, Domino’s Pizza, Denny’s, Wendy’s, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pizza Hut among others.
Find more eligible restaurants in California
Illinois: In Illinois, particularly in Chicago and Franklin County, participating restaurants include BJ’s Market & Bakery, Caribbean Jerk’s Palace III, Doughboy’s Chicago, JJ Fish and Chicken, and some local pizza places.
Find more eligible restaurants in Illinois
Maryland: Maryland’s program includes locations in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, Calvert County, Carroll County, Charles County, Frederick County, Hartford County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County. KFC and Burger King are examples of participating chains.
Find more eligible restaurants in Maryland
Massachusetts: In Massachusetts cities like Boston and Worcester, you can find restaurants like Fresh Food Generation, Merengue Express, Vejigantes Restaurant, Stokes BBQ, La Parada Dominican Kitchen, New Wine Pizza, and Sabrosa Venezuela.
Find more eligible restaurants in Massachusetts
Michigan: Michigan’s RMP includes restaurants in Detroit, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. Examples include Subway, Del Taco, Popeye’s, Toarmina’s Pizza, and various local eateries.
Find more eligible restaurants in Michigan
New York: New York City boroughs like Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, as well as Rochester, have participating restaurants. Examples include IHOP, Ray’s Pizza, Lins Home Chinese, and various local restaurants and pizzerias.
Find more eligible restaurants in New York
Rhode Island: In Rhode Island cities like Cranston, Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Westerly, Subway restaurants are participating in the RMP.
Find more eligible restaurants in Rhode Island
Virginia: Virginia’s program includes locations in Ararat, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Lynchburg, and Richmond, with statewide participation from KFC and select Taco Bell locations, along with Subway and local restaurants.
Find more eligible restaurants in Virginia
Which Fast Food Chains Often Take EBT Through RMP?
If you’re looking for recognizable fast food options that might accept EBT through the RMP, here are some chains to consider. However, remember that participation is location and state-dependent, so always verify before ordering.
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McDonald’s: Select McDonald’s locations participate in the RMP, but participation varies significantly by state and even within cities. Check your local RMP directory or call ahead to confirm.
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Subway: Subway is a more consistent participant in the RMP across participating states. However, EBT acceptance can still vary by individual restaurant, so it’s always best to check.
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Jack in the Box: Similar to McDonald’s, Jack in the Box participates at select locations. Consult your local RMP directory for specific restaurants.
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KFC: KFC has a notable presence in the RMP, particularly in states like Maryland and Virginia.
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Wendy’s: Wendy’s participation in the RMP seems to be more limited, with California being a state where some locations accept EBT.
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Taco Bell: Taco Bell participates in the RMP in a limited capacity, with some participating locations in states like Virginia.
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Popeyes: Popeyes also has limited participation in the RMP, with locations in states like Michigan.
What Kind of Food Can You Purchase with EBT at Restaurants?
When using your EBT card at a participating RMP restaurant, you have the freedom to order any eligible food item from the menu. According to Andrew Cheyne, a public policy expert at GRACE/End Child Poverty CA, “Any meal offered at that restaurant [can be purchased].” You are not restricted to discounted meals if you prefer something else on the menu.
It’s crucial to understand that while the RMP allows for the purchase of hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants, this benefit does not extend to purchasing hot food from just any store that accepts EBT. The RMP is specifically designed for restaurant purchases, as confirmed by Propel policy specialist Julianna Lai. Standard SNAP benefits typically do not cover hot, prepared foods at grocery stores or convenience stores unless there’s a disaster waiver in place.
How to Use Your EBT Card for Restaurant Purchases
Using your EBT card at an RMP restaurant is just as simple as using a debit or credit card. Julianna Lai explains that “If you are eligible for the RMP, your EBT card will be specifically coded by the state to be accepted at participating restaurants.”
To pay for your meal, simply present your EBT card at the register. The restaurant’s point-of-sale system will be programmed to process EBT payments if they are a participating RMP location. You will need to enter your PIN number, just like with any debit card transaction, and ensure you have sufficient funds in your EBT account to cover the cost of your meal.
If you attempt to use an EBT card from a SNAP beneficiary who is not eligible for the RMP, or at a restaurant that is not participating, the transaction will be declined.
Important Security Reminder: Always protect your EBT card and never share your PIN with anyone, including restaurant employees. Your PIN is your security key to your benefits, and unauthorized access can lead to theft of your funds.
Who is Eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program is designed to provide targeted nutritional support to specific vulnerable populations within SNAP. It’s not a replacement for standard SNAP benefits but rather an additional option for those with specific needs.
Julianna Lai clarifies, “The RMP is an additional option that some states offer as part of SNAP… It gives SNAP recipients that are at high risk for chronic hunger the option to use their benefits to buy prepared meals at approved participating restaurant vendors. This is really helpful for folks who might have trouble cooking for themselves, like older adults (60 and up), people with disabilities, and unhoused individuals.”
Individuals who may qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program generally include:
- Seniors: Individuals who are 60 years of age or older.
- People with Disabilities: Those receiving disability or blindness payments or disability retirement benefits from a government agency due to a permanent disability.
- Unhoused Individuals: People experiencing homelessness.
- Spouses of Eligible SNAP Recipients: Spouses of individuals who fall into one of the above eligibility categories may also be eligible.
Andrew Cheyne emphasizes the critical role of the RMP for these vulnerable groups: “If you cannot leave your home to purchase groceries, or do not have a home, these are just a few of the scenarios in which the RMP is a lifeline to ensure people experiencing poverty-related hunger can utilize their federally entitled food benefits to eat.” The RMP also aids SNAP beneficiaries in food deserts or underserved areas, offering another avenue to access prepared food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EBT and Restaurant Meals
1. Can I purchase hot food with my EBT card?
Generally, no, standard SNAP benefits do not cover hot, prepared foods intended for immediate consumption. Andrew Cheyne explains, “Hot foods are [things like] rotisserie chicken, ready to eat soups, but also cold foods like salad bars that are ready to eat… Normally, SNAP customers cannot purchase hot foods, unless there is an approved waiver following a disaster…” The Restaurant Meals Program is the exception to this rule, specifically allowing hot meal purchases at participating restaurants for eligible individuals.
2. Can I use my EBT card on food delivery apps like DoorDash?
While you can use your EBT card for online grocery purchases through DoorDash at participating grocery stores and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, you cannot use SNAP benefits to pay for restaurant meals through DoorDash or other food delivery apps. Irene Lewis, a senior policy analyst at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), clarifies, “While individuals can use their SNAP benefits on DoorDash at grocery stores that accept EBT, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase meals from restaurants on DoorDash.” EBT benefits on DoorDash are restricted to eligible grocery items at participating retailers like Costco, ALDI, and Target, among others.
In Summary: The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program – A Vital Resource
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program is a crucial initiative that provides a pathway to nutritious, prepared meals for SNAP recipients facing barriers to food access and preparation. By enabling eligible individuals to use their EBT cards at participating restaurants, the RMP offers a vital lifeline for seniors, people with disabilities, and unhoused individuals, ensuring they can utilize their food benefits effectively. If you believe you may be eligible for the RMP, contact your local SNAP office to learn more and discover participating restaurants near you.
For further assistance managing your SNAP benefits, consider using the Propel app. It is a highly-rated EBT balance checking app and provides valuable resources to help you stay informed about your benefits and related programs.
