The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a vital program that enables eligible SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants using their EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards. This program is designed to assist individuals who may have difficulty preparing their own meals or lack stable housing with cooking facilities. Let’s delve into the details of the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program and explore which fast food restaurants participate.
How to Find Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT
Identifying restaurants participating in the Restaurant Meals Program can be done in several ways. Many states that offer the RMP provide online resources, such as interactive maps or comprehensive lists of participating restaurants, available on their official state websites.
Often, restaurants accepting EBT payments will display a sign indicating their participation. This sign is typically visible in a front window, on a door, or near the cash register, stating “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.” It might also feature a fork and knife symbol. These restaurants are also required to offer SNAP participants discounted meal options.
Additionally, you can contact your local SNAP office to obtain a list of restaurants participating in the RMP.
States Participating in the Restaurant Meals Program
Currently, the Restaurant Meals Program is available in nine states that have chosen to implement it. These states are:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Infographic showing individuals who are eligible for RMP: Disabled individuals, Seniors, Unhoused individuals, and Spouses of Snap Recipients
A Detailed Look at Fast Food Restaurants Accepting EBT
Here’s a breakdown of some fast food restaurants across the nation that participate in the RMP and accept EBT:
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)
It is important to remember that restaurant participation can change, so always check with the specific location to confirm they accept EBT.
Specific Fast Food Chains and EBT Acceptance
While the RMP is available in select states, the participation of specific fast food chains can vary. Here’s a closer look at some popular chains:
- McDonald’s: Participation varies by state and location.
- Subway: Generally participates in the RMP, but acceptance can differ between individual restaurants.
- Jack in the Box: Participates at select locations; check local RMP directories.
- KFC: Accepts EBT in certain participating states.
- Wendy’s: Participation is primarily in California.
- Taco Bell: Limited participation in the RMP.
- Popeyes: Limited participation in the RMP.
What Can You Purchase with EBT at Restaurants?
When using an EBT card at a participating restaurant, you can typically order any food item on the menu. This includes entrees, sides, and beverages. The RMP is designed to provide access to prepared meals, so there are usually no restrictions on specific food items.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Fast Food Restaurants
Using your EBT card at a participating restaurant is similar to using a debit or credit card. Your EBT card is coded by the state to be accepted at participating restaurants. To pay, simply present your EBT card at the point of sale. You’ll need to enter your PIN to authorize the transaction, ensuring you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the purchase. If the restaurant does not participate in the RMP, the transaction will be declined.
Who is Eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program is designed for specific vulnerable populations, including:
- Seniors (60 years of age or older)
- People with disabilities
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Spouses of SNAP recipients who meet the above criteria
This program ensures that these individuals have access to nutritious meals even if they cannot prepare them themselves.
Common Questions About Using EBT at Restaurants
1. Can I buy hot food with EBT?
Typically, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot, prepared foods unless the individual is eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
2. Can I use EBT on DoorDash?
While you can use EBT cards for purchases at participating grocery stores through DoorDash, you cannot use them to purchase hot meals from restaurants on DoorDash.
Conclusion
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program is a critical resource for eligible individuals, providing access to prepared meals at participating fast food restaurants. This program supports vulnerable populations by ensuring they can access nutritious food, regardless of their ability to prepare it themselves. Knowing Which Fast Food Restaurants Accept Ebt and how to use your benefits can significantly improve access to food for those who need it most.
