The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions access nutritious food, but for Most SNAP benefits can only be used for groceries — but a separate federal program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT card to purchase hot, prepared meals at authorized restaurants. Not everyone qualifies, and it’s only available in nine states.
This guide explains exactly how the RMP works, who qualifies, which restaurants participate, and how to find them in your area.
What Is the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program is an optional add-on to SNAP, administered jointly by the USDA and participating state agencies. It allows eligible recipients to use their EBT card to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals at approved restaurants — the same meals that standard SNAP benefits cannot cover.
Standard SNAP benefits prohibit purchasing hot prepared food at any retailer. The RMP creates a narrow exception specifically for people who face genuine barriers to cooking at home: seniors, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.
The program is opt-in for states — only nine states currently participate. If your state isn’t on the list, your EBT card cannot be used at any restaurant, regardless of whether you’d otherwise qualify.
Which States Have the Restaurant Meals Program?
As of 2026, nine states participate in the RMP:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois (Cook County and Franklin County only)
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York (statewide since February 2025)
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
All other states do not have the RMP. If you live outside these states, EBT cannot be used at restaurants under any circumstances — this applies even to fast food chains that participate in the RMP in other states.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program?
Not every SNAP recipient automatically qualifies for the RMP. Your EBT card must be coded for RMP use, which happens automatically if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Seniors aged 60 or older
- People with disabilities receiving government disability or blindness payments
- People experiencing homelessness without access to cooking facilities
- Spouses of any of the above who are in the same SNAP household
If you qualify, your EBT card is automatically enabled for RMP use — you don’t need to apply separately. If you’re unsure whether your card is RMP-enabled, contact your state SNAP office. Cards not coded for RMP use will be declined at restaurant terminals.
To check if you qualify for SNAP in the first place, use the SNAP eligibility calculator. For RMP-specific eligibility questions, see how do I know if I have RMP EBT.
Which Restaurants Accept Food Stamp?
Participating restaurants vary by state and city. Here’s a state-by-state overview of known participants based on USDA and state SNAP program data:
Arizona
Participating chains include McDonald’s, Subway, Dairy Queen, Wendy’s, Del Taco, Carl’s Jr., Jack in the Box at select locations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa. Not every location of a participating chain is enrolled — look for RMP signage before ordering.
California
California has the most extensive RMP in the country. Participating locations include KFC, Pizza Hut, Denny’s, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Subway, and many local and regional restaurants across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and other metro areas. California maintains an official online directory through CalFresh — check benefitscal.com for a searchable list.
Illinois
Illinois participation is limited to Cook County (Chicago metro) and Franklin County. Participating restaurants include local soul food, fish-and-chip shops, pizza, and diner-style establishments.
Maryland
Participating locations include Burger King, KFC, and local restaurants in Baltimore and Prince George’s County.
Massachusetts
Participating restaurants in Boston, Worcester, and other cities include local Caribbean, BBQ, pizza, and international cuisine vendors. Contact the Massachusetts DTA for current listings.
Michigan
Participating locations include Subway, Popeyes, BBQ restaurants, and local diners in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
New York
New York expanded the RMP statewide in February 2025. Participating restaurants span all five boroughs and upstate communities, including Caribbean restaurants, pizzerias, seafood restaurants, and local delis in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
Rhode Island
Participating locations include select Subway locations in Providence and Cranston.
Virginia
Participating locations include KFC, Taco Bell (select locations), local delis, and grills in Richmond and statewide.
Fast Food Chains That Accept EBT — Quick Reference
| Chain | States |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Arizona, California (select) |
| Subway | Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Virginia (select locations) |
| KFC | Maryland, Virginia, California (select) |
| Jack in the Box | Arizona, California (select) |
| Wendy’s | California (select) |
| Taco Bell | Virginia (select) |
| Popeyes | Michigan (select) |
| Burger King | Maryland (select) |
| Denny’s | California (select) |
| Pizza Hut | California (select) |
Important: Not every location of a participating chain is enrolled. A McDonald’s in Phoenix may be an RMP vendor while another McDonald’s a mile away is not. Always verify by looking for RMP signage or checking your state’s directory before ordering.
How to Find Restaurants That Accept EBT Near You
Method 1: Check your state’s SNAP directory California (benefitscal.com), Arizona, and other states maintain searchable online databases of enrolled RMP restaurants. Search by ZIP code or city.
Method 2: Look for RMP signage Enrolled restaurants display signs near the entrance or payment counter indicating SNAP Restaurant Meals Program acceptance — often showing the EBT logo and a fork-and-knife symbol.
Method 3: Call your state SNAP office Your local SNAP office can provide a current list of participating restaurants in your county or city. See EBT phone numbers for all states to find your state’s contact number.
Method 4: Use the SNAP Retailer Locator The USDA SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov includes RMP vendors. Use the SNAP retailer locator to find all authorized SNAP locations near you, including RMP restaurants.
How to Use Your EBT Card at a Restaurant
- Confirm the restaurant is an RMP participant (look for signage or check state directory)
- Order any menu item — you can order anything on the menu, including hot prepared meals
- When paying, swipe or insert your EBT card at the terminal
- Enter your 4-digit PIN
- Confirm the amount and complete the transaction
If your card is declined, it may mean: the restaurant is not enrolled; your card is not RMP-coded; or you have insufficient SNAP balance. Never share your EBT PIN with restaurant staff.
What Can You Buy With EBT at Restaurants?
Under the RMP, you can purchase any menu item at participating restaurants — there are no restrictions on which items you order. Hot meals, cold items, beverages — all are covered.
This differs significantly from standard SNAP rules. Standard SNAP benefits prohibit buying hot food with EBT at grocery stores and restaurants alike. The RMP overrides this restriction at authorized restaurant locations only.
EBT cannot be used for tips, alcohol, or tobacco at any location.
RMP vs. Standard SNAP — Key Differences
| Standard SNAP | Restaurant Meals Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Where can you use it | Grocery stores, authorized retailers | Authorized restaurants only |
| Hot prepared food | Not covered | Covered |
| Who qualifies | All SNAP households | Seniors 60+, disabled, homeless |
| States available | All 50 | 9 states only |
| Card coding | Automatic | Automatic if you qualify |
Using EBT on Food Delivery Apps
The RMP applies to in-person dining only — it does not extend to food delivery platforms. You cannot use EBT through Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or any delivery app to order restaurant meals, even in RMP states.
For grocery delivery with EBT, DoorDash does accept EBT at select grocery store partners (not restaurants). Instacart and Amazon Fresh also accept EBT for grocery delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use EBT at restaurants?
Only if you receive SNAP and qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (seniors 60+, disabled, or homeless) and live in one of the nine participating states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, or Virginia.
How do I know if my EBT card works at restaurants?
If you qualify for the RMP, your card is automatically coded for restaurant use — you don’t need to take any action. If you’re unsure, check your benefits card documentation or contact your state SNAP office. You can also see how do I know if I have RMP EBT.
Can I use EBT at McDonald’s?
At select McDonald’s locations in Arizona and California only. Not all McDonald’s are RMP-enrolled — look for signage before ordering. McDonald’s does not participate in the RMP in any other state.
Can I use EBT at Subway?
At select Subway locations in Arizona, California, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Subway participates more widely in the RMP than most chains, but individual location enrollment varies. Look for the RMP sign.
Does the Restaurant Meals Program cover delivery?
No — the RMP only applies to in-person dining at authorized restaurant locations. Food delivery through apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub is not covered even in RMP states.
My state isn’t on the list. Can I still use EBT at restaurants?
No — the RMP is only available in the nine states listed above. If your state doesn’t participate, your EBT card cannot be used at any restaurant under any circumstances. Contact your state’s SNAP agency about advocacy for expanding the program to your state.
For more on what your EBT card can and cannot buy, see the SNAP-eligible foods guide and can you buy hot food with EBT. To check your SNAP eligibility, use the SNAP eligibility estimator.