Does Baskin-Robbins Take EBT Cards , SNAP, or Food Stamps – SNAP is one of the largest food assistance programs in America that assists low-income Americans pay for their food bills. The Pew Research Center’s fiscal report for April 2023 states that 41.9 million people belonging to 22.2 million households have received SNAP benefits which translates to 12.5% of the overall U.S population.
If you enjoy Baskin-Robbins ice cream and desserts and have enrolled in the SNAP then you must be curious to know whether the ice cream chain is accepting EBT benefits as a method of payment or not. Unfortunately, Baskin Robin has not enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program and is not authorized to accept SNAP or EBT benefits from recipients. In this guide we will cover Baskin-Robbins’ policies on SNAP EBT and what are the alternate fast food places where you can use your EBT card to enjoy flavorful meals and ice cream.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Baskin-Robbins doesn’t accept SNAP/EBT due to not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.
- Find grocery stores selling Baskin-Robbins ice cream to use EBT for your purchase.
- Explore EBT-accepting restaurants in RMP states (AZ, CA, IL, MI, MD, RI) for alternative ice cream options.
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What Is The Difference Between SNAP/ EBT And Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP is a government-sponsored initiative that assists low-income Americans in purchasing healthier as well as nutritious foods. The program was previously known as Food Stamps but instead of providing benefits through paper stamps, the program is enabling people to purchase groceries with the help of an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card.
The EBT card works similarly to a debit card and gets preloaded with monthly credits that are determined by your household income. You can use your EBT card and participating grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores or gas stations.
Also read: Does Dunkin’ Donuts Take EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps?
What Is Baskin-Robbins?
Baskin-Robbins is a popular American multinational chain of ice cream as well as cake specialty shops that are owned by Inspire Brands. Founded in 1945 by Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin in Glendale California, Baskin-Robbins is today one of the largest ice cream specialty stores with nearly 8000 locations across the globe. The company has been providing 1300 flavors since 1945 and non-dairy and vegan flavors have been added recently in 2019.
Does Baskin-Robbins Accept EBT?
Baskin-Robbins is not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program and therefore it is not authorized to accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries. If you have qualified for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program then you can enjoy other alternatives to Baskin-Robbins products by shopping at a participating grocery store that serves Baskin-Robbins ice cream and accept EBT. You can also enjoy ice cream dishes at restaurants that accept EBT by participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Does Baskin-Robbins Accept EBT Online?
Baskin-Robbins does not accept EBT as a method of payment for online orders from SNAP recipients. Baskin Robin is not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program so neither you can use your EBT card for in-store purchases or make online purchases. If you wish to enjoy Baskin-Robbins food then you have to use an alternative payment method.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
What Is The Restaurant Meals Program?
The acronym RMP stands for Restaurant Meals Program and is an extended part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The program enables a specific group of people who are receiving SNAP benefits to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards at participating restaurants to enjoy hot prepared meals.
It is critical to note that not many who are enrolled in the SNAP program can enjoy the benefits that come with the Restaurant Meals Program as the initiative is designed for the elderly, disabled and homeless populations who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. The program enables them to enjoy hot-prepared meals at authorized restaurants.
Following is the list of states that are participating in the RMP initiative:
- Arizona
- California
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Rhode Island
Every state has a different list of participating restaurants that have enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program.
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Why Doesn’t Baskin-Robbins Accept EBT Payments?
Baskin-Robbins is more of a restaurant than a grocery store. The main reason why the restaurant is not accepting EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries is because it is not a part of the Restaurant Meals Program. Baskin-Robbins is not authorized by SNAP to take EBT cards as a method of payment.
However, since the Restaurant Meals Program is expanding constantly with each passing day Baskin-Robbins are expected to join the list shortly. Following are some restaurants that serve food similar to Baskin-Robbins and accept EBT cards in RMP approved states:
- Dairy Queen
- Denny’s
- Wendy’s
Which Foods Are Eligible For Purchase With SNAP/ EBT Benefits?
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter are eligible
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb.
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase. This also includes dried fruits and vegetables.
- Snacks and desserts: Chips, cakes, cookies and other snack items are eligible as long as they do not have any vitamins or minerals in them.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
- Energy drinks: Energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card if they are labeled as Nutrition Facts.
Your EBT covers essential food items that will enable you and your family to feed with nutritious and well-rounded meals. There are a few limitations on items that you cannot buy with EBT.
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What Can’t You Purchase With Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program covers essential food items and groceries so you cannot buy non-edible foods with the help of your EBT card at any grocery store. The following is the list of acceptable items that you cannot buy with your EBT card.
Cigarettes or tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor, wine, etc.
- Hot food
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicines
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Diapers
- Paper products
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish)
- Cosmetics
- Gas
There are restrictions on the type of food that you can purchase with your EBT card and this includes fast food, takeaway food orders, snacks, sweets drinks, alcohol, paid food etcetera.
This is because the main focus of the SNAP initiative is to help individuals and families with groceries that they can take home and enjoy nourishing meals. The USDA has published a list of eligible products that you can buy using your SNAP benefits. Unfortunately, these items are not available with Baskin-Robbins.
Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
How Can I Pay For My Food At Baskin-Robbins?
Customers can pay for their ice cream and cakes at Baskin-Robbins in-store or online through any other payment source outside EBT. This includes the following
- Cash
- MasterCard
- Discover
- American Express
- Visa
- E-wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Baskin-Robbins shops accept MasterCard Visa, American Express and Discover for online orders. Coupons and cash are allowed for in-store purchases only. Currently, store gift cards and coupons are not acceptable forms of online payment.
What Grocery Stores Accept EBT As A Method Of Payment?
EBT cardholders who are enrolled in the SNAP program and are looking for grocery stores from where they can purchase items and groceries using their EBT funds can take a look at the following options.
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Big Y Foods
- Instacart
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Food Lion
- DoorDash
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Friendly Foods
- Harris Teeter
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Foods
- Kroger
- Costco
- City Market
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Dollar Tree
- Albertsons
- All Stores
- Kroger
- Walgreen
- Sam’s Club
- Safeway
- Family Food Stores
- Foodland
- Market Basket
- Speedway
This is not an exhaustive list as there are various convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations that accept EBT or food stamp benefits in every corner of the state. There are even online retailers like Amazon Fresh, Target, and Walmart that are accepting EBT by enrolling in the USDA Online Pilot Program.
SNAP recipients also wonder: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
List Of Other Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT Payments
There are various restaurants or fast food chains that have enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Programs and enable SNAP beneficiaries to use their EBT card as a form of payment. Fast food restaurants enrolled in RMP are available in only six states till now– Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and Rhode Island. Following is the list of alternate fast food chains that are authorized to accept EBT.
Burger King
A few Burger King store locations situated in Arizona and California accept SNAP payments. If you’re not living anywhere near these two states that are RMP-approved then there are other ways to save money on your Burger King menu. Download the app and rack up points that you can translate into free food. Nearly 145 Burger King restaurants are accepting EBT payments in California.
Carl’s Jr.
Another participant in RMP is Carl’s Jr. which offers mouth-watering charbroiled burgers, sandwiches, chicken options, crispy onion rings, salads and other hearty meals. Nearly 150 restaurants of Carl’s Jr. are accepting EBT in select California counties.
Dairy Queen
If you are a resident of Arizona then you can use your EBT card at Dairy Queen to get burgers, ice cream and blizzards.
Del Taco
Del Taco is popular among Americans for its tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and even burgers, shakes, fries etc. Over 140 Del Taco store locations in California accept EBT payments. If you are fond of Mexican and American flavors then you can enjoy Del Taco food with your EBT card.
Denny’s
Denny’s serves a wide range of classic American dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, homestyle dinners and breakfast offerings that include hearty omelets, fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon etc. Around 50 Denny’s restaurants are accepting EBT in California. Enrolling in RMP and accepting EBT provides an option for Americans to enjoy hearty fast-food meals.
Domino’s Pizza
Even though you are unable to enjoy meals from Baskin-Robbins you can enjoy speciality pizza options along with sides like pasta and chicken options from Domino’s Pizza. This popular pizza delivery chain accepts SNAP benefits in 60 California store locations. Domino’s Pizza participates in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program and enables SNAP recipients to get satisfaction using EBT benefits.
EL Pollo Loco
Renowned for its famous grilled chicken El Pollo Loco offers a wide range of Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas along with grilled chicken and flavorful sides. Nearly 228 El Pollo Loco restaurants are accepting EBT benefits in California. The restaurant provides delicious and healthy options to SNAP recipients.
Jack-In-The-Box
Jack-In-The-Box participates in the Restaurant Meals Program and accepts EBT payments in select locations. They offer a wide range of menus and are known for tasty and convenient dining options.
From tacos and burgers to breakfast items and even late-night snack SNAP recipients can find a variety of food options here and pay the food bills using their EBT card. Nearly 475 Jack-In-The-Box restaurants are accepting EBT in California State.
KFC
KFC is a popular choice when it comes to looking for fast food restaurants that accept EBT. They are famous for their flavorful and crispy fried chicken including sandwiches, buckets of mashed potato, biscuits, cold beverages etc. Around 130 KFC restaurants are accepting EBT in California and the number is expected to rise with each passing day. You can enjoy satisfying meals using your EBT card here.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s is popular among Americans for their delicious pizza that comes with signature garlic butter sauce and fresh ingredients. From specialty pizza to classic pepperoni you can find a wide array of pizza options at Papa John’s. Around 8 locations in California accept food stamp benefits as a method of payment.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut restaurants are popular for their stuffed crusts, pan pizza and variety of toppings. They even serve pasta, delicious desserts, and wings. Nearly 225 Pizza Hut stores are accepting food stamp benefits in California. SNAP recipients can fulfill their pizza cravings with the help of their EBT cards.
Subway
A popular sandwich chain known as Subway participates in the Restaurant Meals Program and you can purchase salads, sandwiches with fresh shopping and ingredients using your EBT card.
Approximately 500 Subway stores are accepting EBT in California. By enrolling in the RMP program Subway provides a personalized and healthy option for those looking for nutritious and tasty meals to cover with food stamp benefits.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a popular fast-food chain that serves tacos, nachos, burritos and many other Mexican-inspired menus. The fast food chain provides a taste and convenient option for SNAP recipients to enjoy meals using their EBT benefits. Nearly 20 Taco Bell locations in California accept EBT benefits.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a fast food chain that has enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program and accepts EBT as the method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries. Wendy’s provides delicious chicken sandwiches, salads, sides, and square-shaped burgers and helps SNAP recipients enjoy a convenient and satisfying meal. Around 85 Wendy’s restaurants are accepting EBT in California.
More restaurants include the following:
- Church Chicken
- Dairy Queen
- Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
- Mcdonald’s
- Tammy’s Burger
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Waba Grill
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Starbucks etc.
Read also: Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
How To Use EBT At Fast Food Places?
The process to use your food stamp benefits or EBT at authorized fast food locations in select states is a pretty simple process. Below is the step-by-step guide that will help you navigate the process of using your EBT card to add authorized fast-food chains or restaurants.
Find RMP Approved Fast Food Restaurants
The first step is to look for a fast food chain or restaurant that accepts EBT from SNAP beneficiaries. It is critical to note that you cannot use your EBT funds anywhere throughout the country as only a few states have enrolled on the RMP initiative to help elderly, homeless and disabled individuals enjoy restaurant meals. These states are Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Michigan, Maryland and Illinois.
Inform The Cashier
Contact the cashier of the fast food restaurant and learn if they accept EBT payments. Bring your EBT card and another valid form of identification when you visit the restaurant store.
Swipe Your EBT Card
When it comes to paying for your food bills, present your EBT card to the cashier at the payment window if you’re at the drive-thru. Enter the four-digit PIN to complete the transaction.
Conclusion
Baskin-Robbins is not participating in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program so you cannot use your food stamp, SNAP or EBT benefits here. However, you can still enjoy Baskin-Robbins food through EBT by finding a supermarket chain near you that sells Baskin-Robbins ice cream as a grocery item. Finding fast food places that are accepting food stamp benefits is a big hurdle. We have made the task easier for you by providing you a complete list of fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT in the above section of the article. There are many grocery stores and online platforms like Amazon, Target, Walmart etc. that accommodate SNAP payments and offer online delivery services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Buy Ice Cream With My EBT Card?
You can find ice cream in different brands and flavors including Baskin-Robbins at any grocery or convenience store. You can also purchase ice cream at restaurants if you are living in a state that is enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program. Dairy Queen is one such example that is known for providing creamy milkshakes and ice cream. Moreover, you can find soft serve from Burger King or Wendy’s as well.
Can I Buy Baskin-Robbins Products In The Grocery Store?
Yes, individuals who are purchasing Baskin-Robbins ice cream at a grocery store can cover the payment using their EBT funds. Baskin-Robbins sells a wide array of ice cream flavors in various grocery stores throughout the country. You can find their different products in the freezer section or other ice cream products.
