Restaurants That Take EBT In Maryland – The Maryland Food Stamps program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enables low-income individuals and families to buy staple food items and groceries needed for maintaining good health. The USDA extended SNAP benefits in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program to assist certain groups of beneficiaries for instance the elderly, homeless and disabled individuals to access prepared meals from participating restaurants.
Fortunately, Maryland has enrolled recently in the RMP program to enable a few beneficiaries to purchase hot food. However, there are only limited restaurants that are participating in this initiative. In this guide, we will discuss the guidelines for Maryland SNAP eligibility and the type of restaurants that are accepting EBT throughout the state.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Maryland’s Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows elderly, homeless, and disabled SNAP recipientsto buy hot meals at select restaurants.
- Only 12 restaurantscurrently participate in RMP.
- Burger King is the most common participating chain (11 locations).
- Find participating restaurants by looking for signage or contacting your local SNAP agency.
What Is The Restaurant Meals Program In Maryland?
A special part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program that allows a few groups of SNAP EBT users to purchase hot prepared meals using government food stamp benefits is the Restaurant Meals Program. Maryland has enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program recently in select locations throughout the country.
As per Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Economic Data nearly 636,784 recipients participated in the food stamp program in June 2018 representing at least 10% of the overall Maryland population. To be eligible for the Maryland food assistance program you need to prove your low-income status and other criteria required by the state.
Who Is Eligible To Purchase Food From Restaurants With EBT In Maryland?
It is important to note that not everyone can purchase restaurant meals with their EBT card as the Maryland Restaurant Meals initiative works only for individuals who are elderly, homeless or disabled.
This is because the program aims to help SNAP recipients who are unable to prepare their meals at home due to their old age, disability or lack of proper housing or a stable kitchen.
The eligibility criteria to purchase restaurant meals in Maryland with an EBT card are as follows:
- Be aged 60 years or above
- Be homeless with no permanent nighttime address
- Be disabled and receive government disability benefits
- Be the spouse of a SNAP recipient eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
What Fast Food Restaurants Accept EBT In Maryland?
There are presently 12 fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT or food stamp benefits in Maryland through the Restaurant Meals program. Let’s take a look at the following restaurant where you can use your benefits if you are enrolled in the SNAP program in Maryland.
Burger King
One of the globally recognized fast food restaurants that is popular for its signature flame-grilled burgers is Burger King. Their flagship burger known as Whooper is loved by all Americans since the item offers a mouthwatering blend of fresh lettuce, juicy beef, green Mayo, tomatoes everything inside the soft sesame seed bun.
Apart from the burger options you can also find crispy fries, a wide array of beverages and onion rings to cater to quick meal seekers who value convenience and taste. Following is the list of 11 Burger King restaurants that are accepting EBT in Maryland. You can use your SNAP benefits at the following Burger King location if you’re residing in Maryland.
- Baltimore: 2301 Liberty Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD Zip Code 21215
- Baltimore: 4100 Pulaski Highway Baltimore, MD Zip Code 21224
- Baltimore: 1241 Orleans St. Baltimore, MD Zip Code 21202
- Baltimore: 4400 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD Zip Code 21215
- Baltimore: 555 W 29th Street Baltimore, MD Zip Code 21211
- Baltimore: 6605 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD Zip Code 21215
- Eldersburg: 1333 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD Zip Code 21784
- Lutherville: 1937 Greenspring Ave Lutherville, MD Zip Code 21093
- Oxen Hill: 5141 Indian Head Highway Oxen Hill, MD Zip Code 20745
- Rosedale: 8304 Pulaski Highway Rosedale, MD Zip Code 21237
- Windsor Mill: 8022 Liberty Rd. Windsor Mill, MD Zip Code 21244
CR Wings
CR Wings is a gem for wings lovers in Maryland. This fast food restaurant serves a wide array of chicken wings that are glazed in your preferred sauce that ranges from adventurous honey garlic to classic buffalo. Apart from wings their menu also features America’s favorite food items like sandwiches and burgers.
This restaurant chain is a popular spot for individuals looking to enjoy a quick satisfying meal in a friendly casual atmosphere. It is located in Harford County at 546 Baltimore Pike Bel Air, Md 21014 and you can contact them to know more about their EBT policies at 410-838-6722.
2 Soul Sisters Restaurant (Closed In 2024)
The first restaurant to accept EBT benefits through the Restaurant Meals program in the state of Maryland was 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant. However, this restaurant was closed permanently as of 31st December 2023. Their menu comprises classics that feature hearty mac and cheese, fried chicken, tender collard greens and so on. Every dish came with a homestyle touch to provide a family-friendly dinner option.
Do you know which restaurants in Arkansas accept EBT payments? Read them in our next guide.
Which Other States Are Participating In The Restaurant Meals Program?
Besides Maryland many other states are enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program and accept EBT as a method of payment.
Arizona
One of the largest RMP-enrolled states is Arizona where more than fast-food chains are accepting EBT benefits as a method of payment. This includes top restaurants like Domino’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell, and KFC to name a few. You can know the participating counties and restaurants by heading to our next guide.
California
California has the most robust and largest Restaurant Meals Program and more than restaurants throughout California accept EBT payments by participating in the restaurant meals program. This includes food giants like McDonald’s or Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway, KFC, Taco Bell, Tam’s Burger to name a few.
Alabama
Alabama has limited participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and you can head to our next guide to learn about the list of restaurants in Alabama that accept EBT from residents.
Michigan
Michigan has announced its decision to enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program in December 2020 and only a handful of restaurants in the state are accepting EBT as a method of payment. Not much information is available about fast food chains that accept EBT however we will update the post as soon as more information about Michigan restaurants that accept EBT becomes available.
Illinois
A lot of restaurants in Illinois participate in Restaurant Meals Programs and accept EBT as a method of payment. You can go to our next guide to learn about the fast-food chains that accept EBT in Illinois. The state has approved RMP in Franklin or Cook counties with the following zip codes: 60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617.
Rhode Island
Only Federal Hill Pizza and Subway in Rhode Island participate in the Restaurant Meals Program in select Illinois cities and accept SNAP benefits as a method of payment.
Massachusetts
A lot of fast food restaurants accept EBT in select Massachusetts locations. The participating counties in Massachusetts that are RMP-approved are: Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Fall River, Greenfield, Holyoke, Lawrence, Mattapan, Revere, Lynn, Lucindale, Springfield and Worcester.
New York
New York has enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program recently and has started accepting applications from restaurants. Once the program gets launched it will update the post with the participating locations and counties in our guide.
Georgia
A handful of fast food restaurants like Papa John’s, Denny’s and so on are accepting EBT as a method of payment in select locations. Head over to our next guide to learn fast food restaurants that take EBT in Georgia.
Hawaii
A lot of Hawaiian cities have been involved with the Restaurant Meals Program to enable elderly, disabled and homeless individuals to purchase hot-prepared meals with the help of their EBT cards. These include Papa John’s, Burger King, Subway etc. Read our next guide to know about the fast-food restaurants that accept EBT in Hawaii.
Virginia
Only a few Subway locations in Virginia are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program and accept EBT as a method of payment. Virginia is newly enrolled in the initiative however it is expected that more restaurants may enroll in the program soon.
What Can You Buy With Food Stamps In Maryland?
The following is the list of SNAP EBT-approved items that you can buy at any grocery store, farmers market or convenience chain.
- Dairy products like almond milk, cheese, milk, butter
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)
- Cooking oil such as vegetable or olive oil
- Poultry products like eggs and chicken
- Seafood like fish, lobster, shellfish
- Red meat like ribs, steak, ground beef,
- Desert such as cookies, brownies, ice cream
- Snack items include cold sandwiches, candy, chips, snack crackers
- Non-alcoholic beverages and energy drinks
- Bread and cereals such as tortillas, rice, bagels, pasta, oatmeal, pita bread, rye bread
- Pork products like tenderloin, bacon, sausages, chops
- Seeds and plants to produce food.
As per the EBT guidelines, you cannot use your food stamps or EBT card to purchase the following items.
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements
- Alcoholic products like wine, beer, liquor
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish)
- Foods that are served hot at the time of sale such as restaurant food
- Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, cosmetics, hygiene items, pet food etc.
How Can I Be Eligible For Maryland SNAP Program?
To be eligible for the Maryland SNAP program you need to prove that you are a resident of Maryland State and meet the other criteria that states the following.
- Must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Maryland
- Must fulfill the employment program required by the state unless you are below 18 years of age, disabled, pregnant or elderly person
- Should meet the resource requirement and have not more than $2250 in the bank or $3500 if you have an elderly or disabled person at your house.
- Must meet the gross income or net income criteria set by your state,
The income limit to qualify for the Maryland SNAP program and then enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program are as follows:
- $19578 for a one-person household
- $26572 for a two-person household
- $33566 for a three-person household
- $40560 for a four-person household
- $47554 for a five-person household
- $54548 for a six-person household
- $61542 for a seven-person household
- $68536 for a eight-person household
- $6994 for an additional person if your household has more than eight members.
For partial information, you can visit the Maryland Human Resources Department food Supplement Program web page or the SNAP Contact Us page at 1-800-332-6347.
Do you know which fast-food chains in Kentucky accept EBT? Find them out in our next guide.
How To Apply For Maryland Food Stamps?
There are three ways in which you can apply for the food stamp program in Maryland. These ways are as follows:
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Apply Online
The easiest and quickest way to apply for the Maryland SNAP program is to apply online via the MyDHR Maryland portal. If you have an account you can log in or create your MyDHR Maryland account which will redirect you to the application form.
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Apply At DHS Office Near You
You can apply in-person at the Maryland Department of Human Services DHS office near you. This is for individuals who face difficulty in applying for the program online. You can use your search engine to locate the DHS office in your neighboring area.
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Download Maryland Food Stamp Application
Alternatively, you can also apply for the Maryland food stamp program through mail by downloading the application form from the official Maryland Department of Human Services office and mailing it to your county DHS office or submitting it in person.
Once you submit the application form you will be contacted by your local DHS office for an interview and ask to provide a variety of documents related to your identity, residence, Social Security number, income documents and so on. Once approved you will receive the EBT card within 30 days. The county department will take 30 days from the date you apply to notify you whether you’re eligible for assistance or not.
Which Stores In Maryland Accept EBT Cards?
Maryland residents are qualified for the SNAP program and have no shortage of food stores to choose from. In case you do not qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program or fail to find a participating restaurant near you you can shop for ingredients at a major grocery chain that accepts SNAP payments with your EBT card and prepare hot meals at your home.
The USDA Food And Nutrition Service has also expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Online Purchasing Pilot Program that allows residents to pay for online orders from major giants like Amazon and Instacart. Let’s take a look at the following large and small chains that are accepting EBT:
- Walmart
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Trader Joe’s
- Amazon
- DoorDash
- Food Lion
- Instacart
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Stop & Shop
- ShopRite
- Family Dollar
- 711
- Dollar General
- Staffords Market
- Bimbo Bakeries
- Rite Aid
- CVS pharmacy
- Seaside Seafood
- Walgreens
- Royal Farms
- Target
- Wegmans to name a few
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of grocery stores, convenience markets or farmers markets that accept EBT in Maryland. There are a plethora of stores that accept EBT throughout the state and you can use the SNAP Retailer Locator online to find a participating store near you.
How To Use Your EBT Card At RMP-Approved Restaurants In Maryland?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a method of payment that enables customers to utilize the government SNAP funds for purchasing items in-store. If you’re planning to use your EBT card at any aforementioned RMP-approved Maryland restaurants then take a look at the following steps.
- Locate a participating RMP-enrolled restaurant and make sure they accept EBT benefits.
- When it comes to paying for your meal from the restaurant inform the cashier that you will be using your EBT card
- Swipe or enter your EBT card at the cash register and enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the payment.
How To Locate Maryland Restaurants That Accept EBT?
Locating an RMP-approved restaurant in Maryland that accepts food stamp benefits cards or EBT is not a challenging task today. All that you need to do is look for signage that states– Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program and has a Fork and Knife logo displayed on the window or the door of the restaurant.
A lot of fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT keep a signboard with the writing “We Accept EBT Card or EBT Card Holders Are Welcome”. To learn more details you can contact your local SNAP agency and learn the list of restaurants that are accepting EBT. Once you have located the participating restaurant, using your EBT card is a simple process. You simply have to swipe your EBT card and enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transaction.
Conclusion
Maryland participates in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program and allows elderly, homeless and disabled SNAP recipients to purchase delicious hot prepared meals at participating locations however only a handful of locations in Maryland participate in RMP and accept EBT benefits. Our guide throws light on the list of restaurants as well as the participating locations where Maryland residents can use their EBT benefits to enjoy hot prepared meals. It is important to note that you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria and make sure you are visiting an RMP-enrolled restaurant to use your EBT benefits.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding restaurants that accept EBT in Maryland. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Hot Food With My EBT Card In Maryland?
The Restaurant Meals Program enables homeless, elderly and disabled SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits for the purchase of hot prepared meals from participating restaurants and delis. A select location in Maryland has restaurants that participate in the RMP program like CR Wings and Burger King. You can avail more information by contacting the state of Maryland Human Services call center at 1-800-332-6347.
Where You Can Use Your EBT Card In Maryland?
Maryland residents who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can use their EBT card at a variety of grocery stores, farmers markets, and convenience stores as well as select restaurants throughout the state the participating stores in Maryland include Amazon, Food Lion, Walmart, ALDI, Martins, ShopRite and so on. The participating restaurants include CR Wings and Burger King.
Does Trader Joe’s Accept EBT In Maryland?
Trader Joe’s is a prominent grocery chain that has a presence throughout the United States of America including Maryland. You can use your EBT card at any Trader Joe’s store location and purchase SNAP-accepted products.