Fast Food Restaurant That Takes EBT In Illinois – Illinois residents who are receiving SNAP or Link benefits (formerly known as food stamps) would be pleased to note that they can use their SNAP EBT benefits at participating restaurants or fast food chains that accept EBT payments.
Through the new SNAP Restaurant Meals Program in Illinois qualified individuals who are elderly, disabled or experiencing homelessness can use SNAP benefits to buy hot prepared meals from restaurants that accept EBT. This guide will provide an overview of the list of restaurants that are taking EBT in Illinois and how you can use SNAP EBT benefits at those eligible restaurants.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Illinois SNAP recipients (age 60+, disabled, homeless) can use EBT cards to buy hot meals at participating restaurants in Cook and Franklin counties.
- The program is relatively new, launched in late spring 2022.
- Currently, 7 restaurants accept EBT in Illinois.
- You can use your EBT card at participating restaurants if you swipe it and enter your PIN.
- More information can be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
Understanding The Restaurant Meals Program In Illinois
The Restaurant Meals Program is part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that enables certain recipients to purchase hot prepaid meals at restaurants if they are unable to purchase groceries and other food items from authorized stores. The Restaurant Meals Program cover the homeless, disabled and the elderly population so that they can alleviate hunger and enjoy meals.
A lot of states including Arizona and California have been providing Restaurant Meal Programs for several years. The program is relatively new in Illinois as it was launched in late spring 2022 only as a limited pilot program in Cook, Dewitt and Franklin counties. The restaurants are located in certain Illinois counties that accept EBT such as 60619, 60620, 60628 or 606174.
Get a compiled list of the participating locations and fast-food chains that accept EBT in Arizona in our next guide.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible To Use My SNAP EBT Benefits At Restaurants?
Three main factors decide whether you can participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Pilot within Illinois or not. These factors are your age, disability or the fact whether you’re experiencing homelessness or not. The Restaurant Meals Program has been designed explicitly for SNAP recipients who are 60 years or above in age, are disabled or experiencing homelessness.
Following are the eligible candidates who can enjoy prepared meals at participating Illinois restaurants with EBT benefits.
- Elderly individuals who are aged 60 or above
- Individuals who are disabled or receiving SSI disability benefits
- Individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have no permanent nighttime address
You also need to ensure you have a valid EBT card and are enrolled in the Illinois food stamp program. If you fall in any one of the above-mentioned categories then you can use your SNAP EBT benefits at select Illinois restaurants that accept EBT payments. If there is more than one individual in the household all the members of the household other than your spouse should fall within one of the three qualifying categories. If you live with your spouse who does not fall into one of these three categories you are still eligible for the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program in Illinois.
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What Fast Food Restaurants Accept EBT In Illinois?
Presently 7 restaurants are accepting EBT as a method of payment in Illinois through the Restaurant Meals Program. In the below section, we have covered the names, locations and contact information of the fast-food restaurant that accepts EBT in select Illinois locations.
Bonnie’s Café
Located in West Frankfort Plaza Bonnie’s Café stands out for its comforting meals. This establishment is praised among Illinois residents for offering a variety of flavorful and healthy dishes. Bonnie’s Café is known for providing a warm and cozy atmosphere where both visitors and locals can enjoy delicious meals with utmost attention and care.
It is a go-to spots for individuals looking for a family-friendly dining experience along with traditional and satisfying fare. The restaurant is located at 15 W Frankfurt Plaza West Frankfort IL 62896. It is important to note that the West Frankfort Plaza location is the only place that accepts SNAP EBT benefits and you can reach out to the restaurant by dialing 618-932-9777.
BJ’s Market and Bakery
Renowned for providing comforting American cuisine, BJ’S Market and Bakery is a well-known establishment in Illinois. The restaurant is popular among customers for its satisfying baked goods as well as its extensive variety of homestyle meals. Residents praise the bakery for offering homemade fresh pies, and cakes along with a wide array of savory selections of hot entrees and sandwiches.
It stands out as a local favorite for customers looking for conventional American flavored food with a homemade touch. BJ’s Market and Bakery is located at 1737 E 95th St. Chicago IL 60617. To know more details about their EBT acceptance and menu items you can contact the restaurant directly by dialing 773-374-4700.
Caribbean Jerk’s Palace III
Caribbean Jerk’s Palace III is newly enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program in the state of Illinois and is a gem for individuals who are fond of authentic Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant chain is celebrated for its hearty and flavorful jerk chicken, a signature dish that encapsulates spicy and rich flavors of Caribbean cooking. Moreover, the menu also features extensive Caribbean staples like stews, curries and tropical sides.
The family-friendly and vibrant atmosphere along with the aroma of spices makes this restaurant a must-visit for those who want to crave an island-inspired culinary experience. To know more about their EBT acceptance you can contact the restaurant directly by dialing 708-831-2582. The restaurant is situated at 10318 S. Halsted St. Chicago IL 60628.
Doughboy’s Chicago
Doughboy’s Chicago is a gem for pizza enthusiasts in Illinois. The restaurant chain is popular for serving delicious and unique pizza styles that showcase a perfect balance of flavorful sauces, crispy crust and a fresh generous topping selection.
Customers can not only enjoy a variety of pizzas but also American cuisines like sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. You can enjoy exceptional pizza and a friendly ambience here. The restaurant is a popular spot among many visitors and locals who want to use their EBT benefits to enjoy pizza. The restaurant is located at 352 E 71st St. Chicago IL 60619 and you can learn more details about the restaurant by dialing 872-244-7592.
JJ Fish & Chicken
A popular destination for chicken and seafood lovers in Illinois where EBT is accepted is JJ fish and chicken. This amazing spot is popular for its crispy and golden brown fried fish and chicken that is seasoned to perfection. JJ’s Fish & Chicken menu comprises a variety of sizes like fries, hush puppies, main dishes and so on.
The no-frills casual environment of the restaurant chain makes it a go-to place for those who want to enjoy a satisfying and quick meal. The restaurant is located at 47 W 79th St. Chicago IL 60620. To know more details about the menu, EBT acceptance and other pertaining details you can contact the restaurant chain at 872-244-7711.
Get a compiled list of the participating locations and fast-food chains that accept EBT in Alabama in our next guide.
S2 Express Grill
S2 Express Grill is a popular destination for those who want to enjoy a delicious and quick dining experience. The restaurant chain specializes in serving fast food and grilled menu options. This eatery is popular for its extensive menu that features sandwiches, burgers, grilled meat, everything prepared with a focus on quality and flavor.
The casual vibrant efficient service of the restaurant chain makes it an amazing sport for those who want to get a tasty meal on the go. The restaurant is located at 129 E 103rd St. Chicago IL 60628. SNAP recipients in Illinois can learn more details about the restaurant, their menu along with EBT acceptance policies by dialing 77-386-298-125.
Joe’s Pizza
The beloved local pizzeria in Illinois that is popular among residents for its authentic Italian flavors is Joe’s Pizza. This fast food restaurant specializes in serving hand-tossed pizza that not only comes with a perfect crust but also a generous blend of toppings and cheese as well as rich tomato sauce. Apart from pizza the restaurant chain also provides a wide area of Italian favorites that include subs, salads and pasta dishes.
Joe’s Pizza is a favorite among residents as well as visitors for its casual and cozy setting. If you want to get Italian food in the heart of Illinois with your EBT card then you must visit Joe’s Pizza. The restaurant is located at 117 E Main St. Benton IL 62812.
Note: One more restaurant that accepts EBT until 2024 was Ocean Waves Soul and Seafood. The restaurant has been authorized by the Illinois Department of Human Services to accept it in 2024 however Google indicated that the restaurant is closed permanently as of January 2024. This place was a haven for seafood enthusiasts that served soulful and rich flavors like crab legs, fish, and shrimp along with traditional soul food sides.
Participating Restaurants With Locations in Illinois That Accept EBT
Below is the list of restaurants for the Illinois Department of Human Resources along with the location in Cook County that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program.
- BJ’s Market & Bakery – 1737 E. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60617
- Caribbean Jerk’s Palace III – 10318 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60628
- Doughboy’s Chicago – 352 E. 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619
- Firehouse Bakery & Grill – 720 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
- JJ Fish and Chicken – 47 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620
- Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood 8655 – Jeffery Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60617
- S2 Express Grill – 129 E. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60628
Here is a list of restaurants in Franklin County that participate in the Illinois Restaurant Meals Program along with the address.
- Bonnie’s Cafe – 15 W Frankfort Plaza, West Frankfort, IL 62896
- Joe’s Pizza – 117 E. Main Street, Benton, IL 62812
Do you know which restaurants in Arkansas accept food stamps? We have everything covered for you in our next guide.
How Do I Know If A Restaurant In Illinois Is Participating In The RMP?
You can contact the participating restaurant directly to learn about their EBT payment policy. You can also look for signs at the window or door of the restaurant where it generally stays “EBT cardholders are accepted” or “We accept EBT cards”.
Once you find a participating location that accepts EBT the process of using your EBT card to pay for your hot prepared meals is simple. Proceed to the checkout counter, swipe your EBT card and enter your 4-digit secret PIN. The payment system will deduct the EBT balance for the eligible meals and the cashier will process the transaction.
For more questions and concerns about the Restaurant Meals Program pilot or your SNAP enrollment in Illinois, you can contact the Illinois Department of Human Services by visiting its official website or check the Greater Chicago Food Depository by dialing 773-247-3663. For restaurant offerings and acceptance of EBT, you can contact the participating restaurant directly and make sure they accept EBT.
Similar to Illinois, a lot of fast-food chains in Georgia are accepting EBT as a method of payment.
Who Is Eligible For Illinois Food Stamp Program?
The Department of Human Services manages the Food Stamp Program in Illinois for the purchase of eligible products including hot prepared meals at participating restaurants in select locations. To be eligible for the benefits program you need to be a resident of Illinois and meet one of the following criteria.
- Must have a current bank balance under $2001 or
- Must have a current bank balance under $3001 and would share their household with one of the following persons 60 or above, a person with a disability.
Candidates must fulfill the annual household income based on their household size such as the following:
- $19578 for a one-person household
- $26572 for a two-person household
- $33566 for 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
For more than eight households add $6994 per additional cent. For more information about how to apply and eligibility criteria, you can visit the Illinois Food Stamp Program application page. You can also contact the University Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154.
Read our next guide about the list of restaurants in Hawaii that accept EBT or food stamps.
How To Apply For Illinois Food Stamps or RMP?
There are three ways in which you can apply for food stamps including the Restaurant Meals Program in Illinois.
Option 1 : Apply Online
The easiest way to apply for the Illinois food stamp program or RMP is to apply online through the ABE Illinois account. If you have an account you just need to log in or create your ABE Illinois account where you will be redirected to the application form.
Option 2 : Apply At DHS Office Near You
You can also apply in-person at the Department Service office near you. You can use your search engine to find the address of your local DHS office.
Option 3 : Download The Illinois Food Stamp Application
The next step is to download the application form, complete it and mail it to your county DHS office or submit it in person via phone. You can contact your county DHS office if any one of these methods does not work.
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 it 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.
What Can I Buy With EBT At Grocery Stores In Illinois?
As with any other federal initiative, there are rules and regulations about the type of product that you can purchase with your EBT card. In the below section, we have covered the list of items that you can and cannot purchase with food stamp allocation.
Items That You Can Purchase With Illinois EBT Card
- Fruits and vegetables
- Breads and cereals
- Dairy products
- Meat, fish and poultry
- Seeds and plants to produce food for households to eat
- Energy drinks that come with nutrition facts label
- Seafood, bakery cakes and steak
- Soft drinks, cookies, candy, snack crackers, ice cream, other snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Items That You Cannot Purchase With Your Illinois EBT Card
- Beer, wine, cigarette, liquor or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements
- Hot food
- Gas
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish)
- Non-food items like pet food, paper products, soap, household supplies, hygiene items, diapers and so on
It is important to note that some restaurants are authorized by USDA to accept EBT benefits from qualified elderly, homeless or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals. Engaging in any illegal use of food stamp benefits can cause you to lose the benefits permanently.
Read about the list of fast food places that are accepting EBT in California through RMP in our next guide.
Stores That Accept EBT Online In Illinois
The USDA Purchasing Pilot Program enables Illinois residents to order SNAP-eligible products and groceries online. If you’re unable to purchase meals then take a look at the following stores from where you can purchase ingredients and prepare meals yourself at your home.
- ALDI
- Jewel Osco
- Supermercados El Güero
- Amazon
- Local Market
- Walmart
- Capri IGA
- Meijer
- Whole Foods
- County Market
- Metropolis Big John Grocery
- Woodman’s Market
- Dave’s Supermarket
- Sam’s Club
- FairPlay Neighborhood Market
- Schnucks etc.
Illinois residents can also make use of the SNAP Retailer Locator online to find a neighboring grocery store, farmers market or convenience store that accepts EBT near them.
Conclusion
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Illinois enables certain groups of recipients to take advantage of the EBT RMP program and purchase hot-prepared meals at participating restaurants. Only Franklin and Cook counties in Illinois are accepting EBT as a method of payment. Our guide has thrown light on the list of restaurants that are accepting EBT as a method of payment in Illinois. It is also important to keep in mind that you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the Illinois Restaurant Meals program to use your EBT benefits. We will update the post as information about more restaurants in Illinois participating in the RMP initiative becomes available.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding restaurants that accept EBT in Illinois. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Restaurants In Illinois Accept EBT?
A lot of fast food restaurants accept EBT payments such as Joe’s Pizza, JJ Fish and Chicken, Doughboys Chicago, Caribbean Jerks Palace III, BJ’s Market and Bakery, and so on. The restaurants that accept EBT are in Franklin County and in select Cook County zip codes.
What Should I Do If My EBT Card Transaction Is Denied By A Participating Illinois Restaurant?
Illinois residents can check their EBT account balance and transaction online or dial 180-0678 LINK 5465. You can also visit Manage My Case to see if you are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program pilot.
Can I Use My EBT Benefits To Order Takeout Meals From Participating Restaurants?
Yes, absolutely all participating restaurants that accept EBT benefits in the pilot will have available seating even though meals purchased with SNAP benefits at those restaurants do not need to be consumed at the restaurant.
How Does A Participating Restaurant Know I Am Eligible To Use EBT Card For The Restaurant Meals Program?
The state of Illinois issues EBT equipment to all authorized restaurants that have an automated eligibility identifier. This will enable the fast food restaurant to automatically identify if a Link or EBT card can be processed for the Restaurant Meals Program.