The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions access nutritious food, but for some, cooking at home isn’t feasible due to limited resources or circumstances. The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants.
This guide, based on official government data from the USDA and state SNAP programs, explains how Restaurants That Accept EBT operate under the RMP, who qualifies, and how to find them.
What Is the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program, an optional SNAP component, permits certain beneficiaries to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals at authorized restaurants using their EBT cards. Unlike standard SNAP benefits, which are restricted to grocery purchases, the RMP supports individuals who cannot prepare meals due to age, disability, or lack of housing.
According to the USDA, the program aims to improve food access for vulnerable populations, particularly in areas with limited grocery options, ensuring they can use their benefits for nutritious, prepared foods.
Which States Participate in the RMP?
The RMP is not available nationwide. Per USDA guidelines, only nine states currently participate, allowing Restaurants That Accept EBT to serve SNAP recipients:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
States not listed do not offer the RMP, so EBT cards cannot be used at restaurants outside these areas. Check with your state’s SNAP agency for confirmation.
How to Find Restaurants That Accept EBT
Locating Restaurants That Accept EBT requires accessing official resources. The USDA and state SNAP agencies provide the following methods to identify participating restaurants:
- State SNAP Websites: Participating states, like California and Arizona, maintain online directories or interactive maps listing Restaurants That Accept EBT. Visit your state’s SNAP website for details.
- Look for RMP Signage: Restaurants enrolled in the RMP display signs indicating “SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Accepted,” often with a fork-and-knife symbol, typically near the entrance or payment area.
- Contact Your State SNAP Office: Local SNAP offices can provide lists of restaurants participating in the RMP in your region.
Restaurants in the RMP must offer low-cost meal options to SNAP recipients, as mandated by USDA regulations, to ensure affordability.
Restaurants That Accept EBT: A State-by-State Overview
Based on state SNAP program data, Restaurants That Accept EBT vary by location, including local eateries and national chains. Below is a sample of participating restaurants across the nine RMP states:
Arizona
- Phoenix: McDonald’s, Subway, Dairy Queen
- Tucson: Wendy’s, Del Taco, Carl’s Jr
- Mesa: Jack in the Box, Subway
California
- Los Angeles: KFC, Pizza Hut, Denny’s
- San Diego: Burger King, Jack in the Box
- San Francisco: Select Subway and local pizza locations
Illinois
- Chicago: Local soul food restaurants, fish-and-chip shops
- Franklin County: Pizza and diner establishments
Maryland
- Baltimore: Burger King, KFC
- Prince George’s County: KFC, local restaurants
Massachusetts
- Boston: Local Caribbean and BBQ eateries
- Worcester: Pizza and international cuisine vendors
Michigan
- Detroit: Subway, local diners
- Grand Rapids: Popeyes, BBQ restaurants
New York
- Bronx and Brooklyn: Caribbean and pizzeria options
- Manhattan: Local pizza and seafood restaurants
Rhode Island
- Providence and Cranston: Select Subway locations
Virginia
- Richmond: Local delis and grills
- Statewide: KFC, Taco Bell (select locations)
For a comprehensive list, consult your state’s SNAP website or contact your local SNAP office.
Which Fast-Food Restaurants Accept EBT?
Fast-food chains are common RMP participants, but availability varies by state and location, per state SNAP records. Here are key chains among Restaurants That Accept EBT:
- Subway: Participates in Arizona, California, Rhode Island, and Virginia, though not all locations.
- McDonald’s: Select locations in Arizona and California.
- KFC: Available in Maryland, Virginia, and parts of California.
- Jack in the Box: Found in Arizona and California.
- Wendy’s: Limited to California locations.
- Taco Bell: Select Virginia locations.
- Popeyes: Limited to Michigan.
Verify participation by checking RMP signage or your state’s SNAP directory.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Restaurants
Using an EBT card at Restaurants That Accept EBT is straightforward, similar to using a debit card. The USDA outlines these steps:
- Ensure RMP Eligibility: Your EBT card must be coded for RMP use, automatically applied if you qualify (e.g., senior, disabled, or unhoused).
- Choose an RMP Restaurant: Confirm participation via state resources or signage.
- Order Your Meal: Select any menu item, including low-cost options required for SNAP users.
- Pay with EBT: Swipe your card, enter your PIN, and confirm sufficient funds.
- Protect Your PIN: Never share your PIN to safeguard your benefits.
Cards not coded for RMP use will be declined at restaurants.
What Can You Buy with EBT at Restaurants?
Under the RMP, SNAP recipients can purchase any menu item at participating restaurants, including hot meals, which are not covered by standard SNAP benefits.
This flexibility, as per USDA rules, allows diners to choose from fast food to local cuisine. However, EBT cannot be used for hot foods at grocery stores unless a state has a temporary disaster waiver.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program?
The RMP serves SNAP recipients with specific needs, as defined by the USDA. Eligible individuals include:
- Seniors (aged 60 or older)
- Individuals with disabilities receiving government disability or blindness payments
- Unhoused individuals without cooking facilities
- Spouses of qualifying SNAP recipients
To determine if you qualify for SNAP and the RMP, use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to evaluate your household’s income, size, and expenses. This tool offers a quick estimate of potential benefits.
The RMP supports those who cannot easily cook, ensuring access to prepared meals in participating states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy hot food with EBT?
Typically, SNAP benefits are limited to groceries and exclude hot foods like deli items. The RMP, however, allows eligible recipients in nine states to buy hot meals at Restaurants That Accept EBT, per USDA guidelines.
Can you use EBT on DoorDash?
EBT can be used for grocery purchases on DoorDash at select stores (e.g., ALDI, Costco), but not for restaurant meals, as the RMP is restricted to in-person dining at approved locations.
Why Is the RMP Important?
The RMP ensures SNAP recipients facing barriers to cooking—such as lack of kitchen access or disabilities—can access hot, nutritious meals, supporting food security in underserved areas.
Summary
The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program enables eligible SNAP recipients to dine at Restaurants That Accept EBT in nine states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Designed for seniors, disabled individuals, and the unhoused, the RMP offers access to prepared meals.
Use state SNAP websites, RMP signage, or local offices to find participating restaurants, and check eligibility with the SNAP Eligibility Calculator. Always protect your EBT PIN when dining out.