Restaurants That Take EBT In Minnesota – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps a lot of low-income households in Minnesota to pay for their food bills. Around 476,000 residents in Minnesota are receiving SNAP benefits which accounts for 9% of the population of Minnesota. Out of these recipients, 69% belong to families with children whereas 33% of SNAP participants belong to families with members who are elderly or have disabilities.
The USDA has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program however only a handful of restaurants in Minnesota are RMP-approved. If you are wondering which restaurants accept EBT in Minnesota then look no further. Our guide will provide a detailed overview of the restaurants that accept EBT as a method of payment in Minnesota and how you can use your EBT to access hot-prepared meals.
Do you know which fast-food chains in Kentucky accept EBT? Find them out in our next guide.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Limited hot meal options with EBT in Minnesota.
- Only elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP users qualify for Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
- Few restaurants participate in RMP (Burger King, Taco Bell are some options).
- Papa Murphy’s accepts EBT for take-and-bake pizzas (cold at purchase).
- Many grocery stores accept EBT for SNAP-eligible food items (Target, Walmart, Hyvee etc.).
Understanding The Restaurant Meals Program In Minnesota
The Restaurant Meals Program is available in various states however Minnesota has limited participation so only a handful of restaurants accept EBT as a method of payment. Minnesota applicants must fulfill basic eligibility criteria to enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program and access prepared meals.
To be eligible you must live in an area with an authorized Restaurant Meals Program and must meet any one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be at least 60 years of age
- Must be disabled and receive disability compensation
- Must be homeless
- Must be a spouse or SNAP recipient eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
Which Restaurants In Minnesota Accept EBT?
Not all restaurants in Minnesota are accepting EBT as a method of payment. It is important to contact the restaurant you are considering before using your EBT as a method of payment. Let’s take a look at the following restaurants that accept EBT.
Taco Bell
One of the best Mexican fast food chains that has 7000 store locations throughout America is Taco Bell. Taco Bell serves Mexican-inspired dishes along with classic burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas.
The restaurant chain has more than 7000 locations in America however select locations in Minnesota accept EBT cards. A few other iconic items on Taco Bell’s menu are the Nacho cheese, Doritos, Locos, Taco and Crunchwrap Supreme.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s is a renowned pizza delivery and takeout chain that is known for its commitment to offering delicious pizza with quality ingredients. The restaurant chain provides a diverse menu of pizza styles like pepperoni pizza, and specialty pizza to cater to all customers. A handful of Papa John’s store locations in Minnesota accept EBT.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has something tasty to offer for everyone. The restaurant is famous for its stuffed crust, pan pizzas and wide range of toppings. The Pizza Hut menu extends to wings, pasta, and delicious desserts. Only a few Pizza Hut store locations accept food stamp benefits in Minnesota.
Burger King
Burger King is the second largest hamburger chain in America next to McDonald’s. There are 18,700 locations in more than 100 countries. The most iconic Burger King menu item comprises a Whopper. You can also find sides like onion rings, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks and chicken fries. Only a few participating Burger King locations in Minnesota accept EBT.
A few more statewide restaurants that may accept EBT soon are: Flavour Bee’s, Andale Taqueria Mercado, Desi Foods, Thomas Avenue Deli and Convenience, Firehouse Subs, Puralima Cantina, Mexico City Café, Jimmy John’s, Pineda Tacos Plus, Habanero Tacos Grill, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Taqueria La Hacienda, Yeah Yeah Taco, Maya Cuisine, Taco Taxi, Lago Tacos Uptown, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Taqueria Y Birrieria Las Cuatro Milpas,vSonic Drive-In, Pineda Tacos, White Castle, Tavial Grill, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Listo! Fresh Mexican Grill, Five Guys, Chick-Fil-A, Oro By Nixta, Don Goyo Mexican And Salvadorian Restaurant, El Taco Riendo, Arby’s, La Bodega Taco Bar and El Jefe Cocina & Bar.
List Of Restaurants That Accept EBT Near Minneapolis, MN
According to Yelp, many fast food restaurants are accepting EBT near Minneapolis MN. Let’s take a look at the following fast food so that you can use your EBT benefits if you’re living near Minneapolis:
- Taco Bell
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Flavor Bees
- Andale Taqueria Mercado
- Desi Foods
- Thomas Avenue Deli And Convenience
- Firehouse Subs
- Puralima Cantina
- Mexico City Café
- Jimmy John’s
- Pineda Tacos Plus
- Habanero Tacos Grill
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Taqueria La Hacienda
- Yeah Yeah Taco
- Maya Cuisine
- Taco Taxi
- Lago Tacos Uptown
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Pizza Hut
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Taqueria Y Birrieria Las Cuatro Milpas
- Sonic Drive-In
- Pineda Tacos
- White Castle
- Tavial Grill
- Burger King
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
- Listo! Fresh Mexican Grill
- Five Guys
- Chick-Fil-A
- Oro By Nixta
- Don Goyo Mexican And Salvadorian Restaurant
- El Taco Riendo
- Arby’s
- La Bodega Taco Bar
- El Jefe Cocina & Bar
Restaurants That Accept EBT Payments From Anyone
The majority of fast food restaurants and chains accept EBT if the state is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. However, there are a few outliers that accept EBT funds from anyone including the following.
Starbucks
Starbucks’s location in Minnesota must not be on the list of restaurants or fast food chains that accept EBT however it is possible to get Starbucks food items or drinks with your SNAP or EBT benefits in a few areas.
However, a lot of stores are updating their payment system to prevent EBT transactions from going through. Few Starbucks locations for instance those inside grocery stores can accept EBT however the company-owned Starbucks stores will never accept EBT as a method of payment.
Papa Murphy’s Take And Bake Pizzas
Minnesota residents can use their food stamp benefits to buy take-and-bake pizzas at Papa Murphy’s store location. This is because the pizzas that the chain sells are not hot at the time of purchase so it is not a SNAP-ineligible item.
You can also purchase salads, sodas and cookie dough using your EBT card. Papa Murphy’s has nearly 1200 locations throughout the United States of America and all the locations throughout the country accept EBT for eligible food items.
Other Take And Bake Pizzerias
Apart from Papa Murphy’s many other take-and-bake pizzerias accept EBT so you must keep an eye out for your local take-and-bake pizzerias. These pizzerias enable Minnesota residents to purchase cold pizza so that they can take and cook at home. Even though 7-11 is a convenience store, not a restaurant, a lot of readers have reported that they can buy cold pizzas from this chain using their EBT benefits.
SNAP recipients also look for restaurants that accept EBT payments in Arkansas.
How Can I Use My EBT Card At RMP-Approved Restaurants?
Navigating the use of food stamps benefits at an RMP-authorized restaurant is simpler and easier than you might think. Here is a step-by-step guide that you must follow to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
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Verify Your RMP- Eligibility
The first and foremost step is to make sure you’re visiting an RMP-approved restaurant that accepts EBT payments in your state. To use your EBT benefits at restaurants you must qualify as an elderly person, disabled or homeless SNAP recipient.
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Look for Participating Restaurants
Not every restaurant is accepting EBT cards in Minnesota. You need to look for signs that say “EBT is accepted here” or “We accept EBT card holders”. You can also contact the restaurant ahead to learn about the EBT acceptance policy.
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Pay For The Meals With EBT
The next step is to look for SNAP t-eligible signs on the menu or ask the store manager what meals are covered by SNAP benefits. A lot of restaurants provide discounted special meals for EBT card holders.
When it comes to pay simply swipe your EBT card just like your debit or credit card and enter your 4-digit PIN. Don’t forget to collect the receipt as you can know the remaining balance on your account from the receipt.
List of Minnesota Food Retailers That Accept EBT Card
Recipients of Minnesota food stamps can purchase necessary groceries and food staples with the help of the Electronic Benefits Transfer card. If you are unable to find a Minnesota restaurant that accepts EBT cards from where you can purchase hot prepared meals you can consider shopping for eligible ingredients with EBT cards from the following retailers to prepare meals at your home.
- Target
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Food N Fuel
- Hyvee
- QuickTrip
- Cvs
- Walgreen
- Hometown Food Market
- Dollar General
- Aldi
- Bills Supermarket
- Lindstrom Foods
- Johnson Foods
- Casey’s General Store
- Alexandria Farmers Market
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of stores and retailers that accept EBT as a method of payment for SNAP-eligible items in Minnesota. There are a variety of stores and retailers that are accepting EBT and you can find them by using the SNAP Retailer Locator online provided by USDA. There are 3400 authorized retail locations in Minnesota that accept EBT including gas stations, convenience stores and farmers markets. The card can also be used at participating sites for Meals on Wheels.
What Can You Buy With Your Minnesota EBT Card?
Here is a list of SNAP-eligible food items that you can purchase with your Minnesota EBT card. The Minnesota SNAP Benefits program aims to offer healthier nutritious food to low-income families and individuals. As a general rule, you can use your Minnesota food stamp benefits to purchase any food item apart from alcoholic beverages, tobacco or hot food until and unless it is RMP-approved.
The following is the list of SNAP EBT-approved items that you can buy at any grocery store, farmers market or convenience chain.
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)
- Cooking oil such as vegetable or olive oil
- Dairy products like almond milk, cheese, milk, butter
- Red meat like ribs, steak, ground beef,
- Desert such as cookies, brownies, ice cream
- Poultry products like eggs and chicken
- Seafood like fish, lobster, shellfish
- Snack items include cold sandwiches, candy, chips, snack crackers
- Non-alcoholic beverages and energy drinks
- Pork products like tenderloin, bacon, sausages, chops
- Seeds and plants to produce food.
- Bread and cereals such as tortillas, rice, bagels, pasta, oatmeal, pita bread, rye bread.
As per the EBT guidelines, you cannot use your food stamps or EBT card to purchase the following items.
- Alcoholic products like wine, beer, liquor
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements
- 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.
Which Other States Apart From Minnesota Accept EBT For Restaurant Meals?
Besides Minnesota there are many states throughout the country that are enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program. This program is a beacon of hope for elderly, disabled and homeless SNAP recipients who are unable to prepare meals due to their condition.
Alabama
There is a limited Restaurant Meals Program running in the state of Alabama. Only a few SNAP recipients can use their EBT benefits at restaurants in Alabama that are EBT-friendly to purchase hot prepared meals.
Arizona
Arizona has several fast food restaurants that accept food stamp benefits as a method of payment. This includes top restaurants like Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell, and Burger King, to name a few. Head to our guide to get a complete list of participating fast-food chains in Arizona that take EBT.
California
California has the largest and most robust Restaurant Meals Program. A lot of fast-food restaurants in California accept EBT as a method of payment. For instance, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Subway, Rally’s Burger, Del Taco, Taco Bell, and McDonald’s to name a few. California participating counties that are RMP enrolled are Alameda, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.
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 Georgia locations. Head over to our next guide to learn about fast-food restaurants that take EBT in Georgia.
Hawaii
A few 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. As per Yelp Subway, Burger King, Taco Bell to name a few restaurants are accepting EBT in Hawaii.
Illinois
Illinois is accepting applications from restaurants to participate in the USDA Restaurant Meals Program and will be rolling out the initiative for SNAP recipients in the coming months. Only a handful of restaurants in Illinois accept EBT as a method of payment and these locations are in Franklin and Cook counties with the following zip codes 60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617.
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Human Services has been approved for the Restaurant Meals Program however the state is now accepting applications for restaurants to participate and only one or two restaurants have been RMP-approved. We will update the list as soon as more information about RMP-enrolled restaurants in Maryland becomes available.
Michigan
Michigan has announced its decision to enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program in December 2020. A lot of fast-food restaurants in Michigan accept EBT as a method of payment for instance Subway, Burger King, Papa John’s Pizza to name a few. You can learn about the participating locations and the compiled list of restaurants in our next guide.
Massachusetts
A few fast food restaurants including food trucks are RMP-enrolled in Massachusetts and they accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries. The RMP-approved participating restaurants in Massachusetts are available in the following cities: Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Fall River, Greenfield, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Mattapan, Revere, Roslindale, Springfield, and Worcester.
Rhode Island
One Federal Hill Pizza and five Subway restaurants in Rhode Island participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. You can read more details about the list of restaurants that take EBT in Rhode Island including the participating locations in our next guide.
New York
New York has recently enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program statewide. The program is accepting applications from fast-food restaurants that will soon start accepting payments from SNAP beneficiaries. Once the program gets launched we will update the post with all the participating locations and counties.
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.
Who Is Eligible For SNAP Benefits In Minnesota?
A lot of people in Minnesota are receiving food stamp benefits which are not limited to people with disabilities, elderly individuals or low-income families with children. You can use the online free screening tool that will help you determine your eligibility for food stamp benefits.
To know more details about the eligibility, application and documentation process you can dial the MN State hotline number at 888-711-1151 or 800-657-3698. The Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP resources page also provides extra information about SNAP including the SNAP screening tool in Russian, Somali, Spanish and other languages.
Conclusion
The federal initiative Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is available throughout the United States of America including the state of Minnesota. The initiative aims to reduce malnutrition and hunger in eligible households across the state and also enables a few SNAP recipients to buy hot prepared meals through the Restaurant Meals Program. Our guide has listed some of the participating restaurants where you can use your EBT card if you’re living in Minnesota. For more details about the Restaurant Meals Program, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services and learn how you can access sound nutrition and balanced meals.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding restaurants that accept EBT in Minnesota. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ALDI Take EBT In Minnesota?
Yes ALDI accepts food stamp benefits or EBT cards as a method of payment at all participating already store locations in Minnesota. It is important to note that you can purchase only SNAP-eligible products from ALDI.
Can You Use EBT at Papa Murphy’s In Minnesota?
Yes, you can use your EBT card or food stamp benefits at Papa Murphy’s in Minnesota since the ingredients that they sell are fresh and cold at the time of sale so it does not violate the SNAP eligibility. Papa Murphy’s accepts SNAP EBT payments in Minnesota and you can place your pickup order online and select the SNAP method during checkout.
What Can You Buy With EBT Cash In Minnesota?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer cards are provided to help low-income families individuals meet their basic needs concerning food, clothing, shelter, transportation and utilities. Minnesota residents who are receiving TANF cash assistance can use their EBT cash benefits for any purpose.
How Long Can You Be On Snap In Minnesota?
SNAP recipients in Minnesota are limited to three months of assistance in a 36-month or three-year unless they meet the work requirements. The SNAP’s current 36-month period is from January 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2025. The work limitations are exempted if you’re pregnant, or experiencing homelessness, or below 18 years of age, or are disabled/ elderly.