The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) offers eligible SNAP recipients the opportunity to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This program is designed to support individuals who may have difficulty preparing their own meals due to various circumstances, such as lack of housing or disabilities. But where can you actually use your EBT card at fast food restaurants? Let’s delve into the specifics of the RMP and explore which fast food establishments accept EBT.
How to Locate Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT
Finding fast food restaurants that are part of the Restaurant Meals Program can be done in several ways. Many participating states provide interactive maps or comprehensive lists of participating restaurants on their official websites.
Keep an eye out for signage at restaurants. Participating establishments often display signs in their windows, on doors, or near cash registers indicating their involvement in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. These signs may feature phrases like “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” and may include a fork and knife symbol. Also, these restaurants usually offer a discounted meal option for SNAP participants.
Contacting your local SNAP office is another avenue to obtain a list of participating restaurants in your area.
Exterior of a Subway restaurant, a common participant in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Alternative text: A Subway restaurant exterior, highlighting its potential participation in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program for EBT cardholders.
States That Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program is not available in every state. Currently, only a limited number of states have opted to implement the RMP. The following states currently participate:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT: A State-by-State Overview
Here’s a look at some of the fast food restaurants that participate in the RMP program, accepting EBT payments in select locations:
Arizona
- Chandler: Burger King, El Pollo Loco, Firehouse Subs, Jack in the Box, Jimmy & Joe’s, Pizzeria Serious, Slices, McDonald’s, Subway, and more.
- Flagstaff: Burger King, Butler Subway Cafe, Chix N Mex, Subway, and more.
- Mesa: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Subway, and more.
- Phoenix: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Dairy Queen, El Pollo Loco, Jack n’ the Box, McDonald’s, Subway, and more.
- Tucson: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Chickenuevo, Church’s Texas Chicken, Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Del Taco, McDonald’s, Papa Johns Pizza, Subway, Wendy’s, and more.
California
- San Francisco: Carl’s Jr, Chico’s Pizza, UCSF Subway Parnassus, UCSF Subway, Mission Bay, and more.
- Los Angeles: Subway, Jack in the Box, Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken and Fish Market, Domino’s Pizza, Denny’s Restaurant, Wok on the Wild Side, Wendy’s, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and more.
- Riverside: McDonald’s, Subway, Yoshinoya Beef Bowl #2152, Del Taco, Denny’s #7156, and more.
- San Diego: Pizza Hut, Burger King, Denny’s, Jack in the Box, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wendy’s, and more.
Illinois
- Chicago: BJ’s Market & Bakery, Caribbean Jerk’s Palace III, Doughboy’s Chicago, Firehouse Bakery & Grill, JJ Fish and Chicken, Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood, S2 Express Grill, and more.
- Franklin County: Bonnie’s Care, Joe’s Pizza
Maryland
- Anne Arundel County: KFC
- Baltimore: Burger King
- Calvert County: 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant, KFC
- Carroll County: Burger King
- Charles County: KFC
- Frederick County: KFC
- Hartford County: CR Wings
- Montgomery County: Burger King
- Prince George’s County: KFC
Massachusetts
- Boston: Fresh Food Generation, Merengue Express, Vejigantes Restaurant, Stokes BBQ, La Parada Dominican Kitchen, Merengue Restaurant
- Worcester: New Wine Pizza, Sabrosa Venezuela
Michigan
- Detroit: A Eagles Coney Island, Embassy Coney Island, ERR’Thang Smoked, Heavenly Chicken and Waffles, Market Fresh Deli, Sheeba Express, Subway, The Congregation Detroit, YumVillage
- Dearborn: Toarmina’s Pizza, Bionde’s Subs, Westpoint Bar-B-Que, Del Taco
- Grand Rapids: Burton Village BBQ Company, Popeye’s, Wing Heaven Moo Gobble Burger
- Lansing: Crack Chicken, Eastside Fish Fry, Just Munchies, Siraj Cuisine
New York
- Bronx: Leche Y Miel Restaurant, Pa’ Comer, Lins Home Chinese, Kaieteur Restaurant
- Brooklyn: Jam It Bistro, Brain Food Deli & Smart Kitchen, Roseli Chinese Restaurant, Memphis Seoul, IHOP, Ocean Eats, Lady Chow Kitchen
- Manhattan: Justino’s Pizzeria, Ray’s Pizza, BarIL, SoleSapoara Restaurant, The Chubby Crab
- Queens: Blaze 718
- Rochester: Lakeside Haven Family Restaurant, Pomodoro Pizza, Wings & Pasta, Gregorio’s Pizza, Nin’s Restaurant
Rhode Island
- Cranston, Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Westerly: Subway restaurants
Virginia
- Ararat: Red Rooster Cafe
- Newport News, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth: Subway restaurants
- Lynchburg: Asian Fusion, Bistro Bros Q Deli
- Richmond: Kokonut Grill
- Statewide: KFC, Taco Bell (participating locations)
Note: Restaurant participation can change. Always confirm with the specific location before ordering.
Popular Fast Food Chains and EBT Acceptance
While specific participation levels can vary, here’s a breakdown of some popular fast-food chains and their general involvement in the RMP:
- McDonald’s: Select locations participate; participation varies by state.
- Subway: A common participant, but EBT acceptance may vary.
Alternative text: McDonald’s fries, illustrating the restaurant chain’s selective acceptance of EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program.
- Jack in the Box: Participating locations are available in some states.
- KFC: Select locations accept EBT in participating states.
- Wendy’s: Primarily limited to locations in California.
- Taco Bell: Limited participation in select areas.
- Popeyes: Limited participation in certain areas.
What Can You Purchase at Restaurants with EBT?
At participating restaurants, EBT cardholders can typically order any food item on the menu. According to Andrew Cheyne, managing director of public policy for GRACE/End Child Poverty CA, customers are not restricted to discounted meals; they can purchase any meal offered.
It’s important to note that while the RMP allows for the purchase of hot meals at restaurants, this does not extend to purchasing hot foods from any store that accepts EBT. The program is exclusively for approved restaurant purchases.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Fast Food Restaurants
Using your EBT card at a participating restaurant is a simple process. Your EBT card will be coded by the state to be accepted at participating restaurants. To pay for your meal, simply present your EBT card to the cashier. The card will be processed using a point-of-sale device programmed for EBT payments. You will need to enter your PIN and ensure sufficient funds are available in your account to cover the purchase.
Important Reminder: Never share your EBT PIN with anyone, including restaurant employees.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program?
The RMP is not a replacement for SNAP but rather an additional option available in select states. It caters to SNAP recipients at high risk of chronic hunger, offering them a way to purchase prepared meals at approved restaurants. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Seniors (60 years of age or older)
- People with disabilities
- Unhoused individuals
- Spouses of eligible SNAP recipients
The Restaurant Meals Program provides crucial nutritional support for vulnerable populations who may face challenges in utilizing their SNAP benefits otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I buy hot food with EBT?
Generally, SNAP benefits do not cover hot foods, unless the purchase is made at an approved restaurant participating in the RMP.
2. Can I use EBT on DoorDash or other delivery apps?
While EBT cards can be used to make purchases at specific stores through DoorDash, they cannot be used to purchase hot meals from restaurants through the app.
In Conclusion
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program offers a vital avenue for eligible individuals to access nutritious meals by using their EBT cards at participating fast food restaurants. This initiative is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle with preparing meals independently. By understanding the program’s guidelines and knowing which restaurants participate, EBT cardholders can effectively utilize their benefits to ensure access to essential nourishment.
