The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aims to combat food insecurity, and the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a crucial extension of this, allowing eligible individuals to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants with their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This program provides vital support for those who may struggle to prepare meals themselves or lack stable housing. Let’s explore where you can use your EBT card for fast food and other restaurants, eligibility requirements, and key details of the RMP.
How to Find Restaurants That Accept EBT
Identifying restaurants that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program is essential for SNAP recipients seeking convenient meal options. Here’s how you can find participating restaurants:
- State Websites: Many states participating in the RMP provide online restaurant locator maps or lists of participating restaurants on their official websites.
- In-Store Signage: Restaurants accepting EBT payments often display signs indicating their participation in the program. These signs may feature phrases like “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” along with a fork and knife symbol. They are commonly placed in windows, on doors, or near cash registers.
- Local SNAP Office: Contacting your local SNAP office can provide you with a list of participating restaurants in your area.
Restaurant Meals Program: Participating States
Not all states have implemented the Restaurant Meals Program. As of now, the RMP is available in the following nine states:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Fast Food Restaurants That Take EBT
For many, fast food restaurants offer a convenient and affordable meal option. Here’s a breakdown of where you might be able to use your EBT card at popular fast-food chains:
- McDonald’s: Select McDonald’s locations participate in the RMP, but participation varies by state.
- Subway: Subway is a common participant in the RMP. However, EBT acceptance can vary between individual restaurants.
- Jack in the Box: Some Jack in the Box locations participate in the RMP. Check your local RMP directory for specific locations.
- KFC: KFC locations in certain states accept EBT payments.
- Wendy’s: Participation is primarily limited to locations in California.
- Taco Bell: Select Taco Bell locations participate in the RMP.
- Popeyes: Limited participation in the RMP at select Popeyes locations.
A List of Restaurants That Accept EBT
Below is a snapshot of specific restaurants participating in the RMP program within participating states. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and you should confirm participation with your local SNAP office or the restaurant itself.
Arizona
- Chandler: Burger King, El Pollo Loco, Firehouse Subs, Jack in the Box, Jimmy & Joe’s, Pizzeria Serious, Slices, McDonald’s, Subway.
- Flagstaff: Burger King, Butler Subway Cafe, Chix N Mex, Subway.
- Mesa: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Subway.
- Phoenix: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Dairy Queen, El Pollo Loco, Jack n’ the Box, McDonald’s, Subway.
- Tucson: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Chickenuevo, Church’s Texas Chicken, Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Del Taco, McDonald’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Subway, Wendy’s.
California
- San Francisco: Carl’s Jr, Chico’s Pizza, UCSF Subway Parnassus, UCSF Subway, Mission Bay.
- 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.
- Riverside: McDonald’s, Subway, Yoshinoya Beef Bowl #2152, Del Taco, Denny’s #7156.
- San Diego: Pizza Hut, Burger King, Denny’s, Jack in the Box, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wendy’s.
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.
- 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)
What Can You Get at a Restaurant with EBT?
At participating restaurants, you can order any food item on the menu. You are not restricted to discounted meals if you prefer something else. It’s important to remember that while the RMP allows for the purchase of hot meals, this benefit is specifically for restaurant purchases and does not extend to hot foods from all stores accepting EBT.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Restaurants
Using your EBT card at participating restaurants is similar to using a debit or credit card. Your card must be coded by the state to be accepted at these establishments. To make a purchase, simply present your EBT card, enter your PIN, and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover the transaction.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program?
The RMP is designed to support vulnerable populations who may have difficulty preparing their own meals. Individuals who may qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program include:
- Seniors (60 years of age or older)
- People with disabilities
- Unhoused individuals
- Spouses of SNAP recipients in one of the above groups
Important Reminders
- Safeguard Your PIN: Never share your EBT PIN with anyone, including restaurant employees. Protect your benefits by keeping your PIN secure.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your eligibility for the RMP with your local SNAP office to ensure your EBT card is coded correctly for restaurant purchases.
Conclusion
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program offers a crucial lifeline for eligible individuals, providing access to nutritious meals at participating restaurants. By understanding the program’s guidelines, eligible populations can effectively use their EBT cards to access hot, prepared meals, enhancing their overall food security and well-being.
