Does Chick-fil-A Take EBT Cards, Snap Or Food Stamps Payment – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps feed millions of underprivileged people and households throughout America through EBT benefits. SNAP recipients can use their EBT benefits at participating grocery stores, convenience markets, farmers markets, local co-ops, gas stations and in some cases restaurants and fast-food eateries to pay for their meals. However, not all restaurants are accepting EBT through the RMP program.
If you’re enrolled in the SNAP program and enjoy Chick-fil-A meals then you would definitely wonder if Chick-fil-A takes EBT. You might be disappointed to learn this but Chick-fil-A is not accepting EBT like other fast-food restaurants. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you learn the ins and outs of Chick-fil-A policies on EBT and will provide you with an alternate list of restaurants that are accepting EBT from SNAP recipients in select locations.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Chick-fil-A does not accept EBT (food stamps) at any locations.
- The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows certain SNAP recipients to use EBT for hot meals at authorized restaurants.
- Chick-fil-A has not chosen to participate in the RMP.
- Several other fast-food chains accept EBT in select locations, including Burger King, Subway, and McDonald’s.
What Is Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A is an American fast-food restaurant chain and also the largest chain that specializes in serving chicken sandwiches. Founded on May 23 1946 and headquartered in College Park GA the restaurant chain operates 3059 store locations across 48 states including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
Chick-fil-A also operates its store location in Canada and previously had restaurants in South Africa and the United Kingdom. The chain serves breakfast menu, lunch and dinner menu, catering services and an amazing variety of chicken sandwiches and dishes.
How Many Chick-fil-A Restaurants Are There In The United States Of America?
As of 2nd January 2024, there are 3059 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the United States of America. The US state and territory with the most Chick-fil-A locations in America is Texas with nearly 495 restaurants accounting for 16% of the overall Chick-fil-A restaurants in America. All the locations are present in 50 states and territories and 1446 U.S. cities. The following is a list of top states and territories with the most Chick-fil-A restaurants.
- Texas– 495 or 16% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- Georgia– 259 or 8% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- Florida– 246 or 8% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- North Carolina– 192 or 6% of us Chick-fil-A restaurants
- California- 182 or 6% of US Chick-fil-A restaurant
- Virginia– 144 or 5% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- Tennessee– 104 or 3% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- South Carolina– 104 or 3% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- Pennsylvania- 103 or 3% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
- Alabama– 91 or 3% of US Chick-fil-A restaurants
Nearly six U.S. states and territories do not have any Chick-fil-A restaurants in America and these are Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, Vermont, Northern Mariana Island and US Virgin Islands.
The cities with the most number of Chick-fil-A restaurants in America are: Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Orlando, Fort Worth, Tampa, Phoenix and Jacksonville.
What Is The Restaurant Meals Program And How Is It Related To Chick-fil-A?
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.
The Restaurant Meals Program 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.
To accept EBT benefits Chick-fil-A needs to enroll separately for the Restaurant Meals Program for all of its outlets. However, unlike other fast food restaurants like Burger King and Subway Chick-fil-A is not RMP-enrolled so SNAP recipients have to look for other participating fast food joints to enjoy restaurant meals using SNAP benefits.
Eligibility Criteria To Use EBT Card For Restaurant Meals
The eligibility criteria to purchase hot-prepared meals at restaurants are as follows:
- Be a senior citizen (60 years old or above)
- Be a disabled individual who received disability or blindness payments or receive disability retirement benefits from the government due to disability considered permanent
- Be a homeless individual
- Be a spouse of the SNAP recipient who is eligible for the program.
States That Are Qualified For Restaurant Meals Program
It is important to note that not every state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program. Till now only seven states have applied for it while the other three are pending or under construction. These include the following:
- Arizona: More than 670 fast food chains in Arizona accept EBT from SNAP recipients.
- Alabama: There is limited RMP participation in Alabama so only a few fast-food chains are accepting EBT here.
- California: California has the most robust and largest Restaurant Meals Program and a lot of fast food chains in California are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Hawaii: Only select Hawaii cities are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries to help elderly, homeless and disabled recipients access hot prepared meals.
- Michigan: A lot of fast-food restaurants in Michigan are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Maryland: Only one or two restaurants in select Maryland cities accept EBT for restaurant meals from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Missouri: Only a handful of Missouri fast-food restaurants are accepting EBT or will be soon accepting EBT once they get authorized by USDA.
- Massachusetts: A lot of restaurants in Massachusetts are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries statewide.
- Illinois: Illinois has enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program in 2020 and only a handful of Cook or Franklin and Cook counties throughout the state accept EBT for restaurant meals in Illinois.
- Virginia: The Restaurant Meals Program has been implemented in Virginia recently and only subway restaurants in Virginia accept EBT payments.
- Rhode Island: One Federal Hill Pizza and five Subway restaurants in Rhode Island participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Does Chick-fil-A Take EBT or Food Stamps?
Unfortunately, Chick-fil-A does not accept food stamps or EBT as a method of payment at any of its store locations. This is because Chick-fil-A is not approved by USDA for the Restaurant Meals Program.
This may be a huge disappointment for SNAP recipients’ who are a fan of Chick-fil-A tasty chicken sandwiches and waffle fries but the reality is you can use various other payment methods like debit and credit cards to enjoy their meals instead of EBT. Unless a restaurant or fast food chain participates in the Restaurant Meals Program they cannot accept EBT benefits.
Why Isn’t Chick-fil-A RMP-Approved?
Not all fast food restaurants accept EBT and Chick-fil-A is one of them. Chick-fil-A is not enrolled in the USDA’s Restaurant Meals Program. While a lot of food restaurants are enabling elderly, homeless and disabled SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared meals using their EBT benefits, Chick-fil-A is not included in this list.
Strict Program Requirements
Fast food chains like Chick-fil-A operate on a franchise model therefore all the outlets are required to meet USDA SNAP RMP requirements which can be a time-consuming and costly affair.
A lot of restaurant owners, even in RMP-approved states, hesitate to participate in the program and accept EBT payments as they are unable to keep up with the additional paperwork and strict SNAP requirements. This is the reason why Chick-fil-A restaurants in different areas have declined to participate in the program.
Variability of RMP
The Restaurant Meals Program, which helps a few beneficiaries, like the elderly, disabled, and homeless population, enjoy hot, prepared food at participating restaurants and food chains, is a voluntary program.
The SNAP leaves it to individual states in America to decide if they want to enroll in the program, and a lot of states have opted not to enroll in the program due to compliance with the SNAP rules. This makes Chick-fil-A food items unapproved for EBT purchase in most of the states.
What Does Chick-fil-A Menu Comprise?
In the below section, we have covered the list of Chick-fil-A menu items.
Breakfast
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuit, Spicy Chicken Biscuit, Fruit Cup, Greek Yogurt Parfait, Egg White Grill Hash Brown Scramble Burrito, Hash Brown Scramble Bowl, Chicken Egg and Cheese Biscuit, Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit, Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuit, Chicken Egg and Cheese Muffin, Bacon Egg and Cheese Muffin, Sausage Egg and Cheese Muffin, and Hash Brown.
Entries
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Chick-Fil-A Deluxe Sandwich, Spicy Deluxe Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chick-Fil-A Nuggets, Grilled Nuggets, Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich, Chick-Fil-A Cool Wrap, and Chicken Stripes.
Salads
Cobb Salad, Spicy Southwest Salad, Market Salad.
Sides
Fruit cup, Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries, Mac and Cheese, Chicken Noodle Soup, Kale crunch side, Greek Yogurt Parfait, Waffle Potato Chips, Buddy Fruits Applesauce.
Kids Meal
Kids Chicken Nuggets
Treat
Frosted Lemonade, Frosted Coffee, Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Cookies and Cream Milkshake Chocolate Milkshake, Strawberry Milkshake Vanilla Milkshake, Ice Cream Cone, and Chick-fil-A Ice Cream Cup.
Beverages
Cherry Berry Seasonal Beverages, Freshly Brewed Iced Tea Sweetened, Freshly Brewed Iced Tea Unsweetened, Chickfila Lemonade, Chick-fil-A Diet Lemonade, Sunjoy, Iced Coffee, Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, Dasani Bottled Water, Honest Kids Apple Juice, Simple Orange, 1% Chocolate Milk, 1% Milk, Coffee, and Gallon Beverages.
Apart from these meals, you can also find Chick-fil-A dipping sauces, dressings and catering services.
What Are The Alternate Payment Methods That You Can Use At Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A accepts several payment methods to make it easy and accessible for customers to purchase a quick and satisfying meal from them. As you know the restaurant is not accepting EBT let’s check the following alternatives to using EBT at Chick-fil-A restaurants.
- Cash
- Credit Or Debit Cards
- Gift Cards.
- Chick-Fil-A App
- Coupons And Deals.
Alternate Restaurants That Accept EBT Payments
As you know Chick-fil-A does not accept EBT as a method of payment, let’s take a look at the following fast-food restaurants that are accepting EBT in select locations that are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. Thousands of restaurants or fast food chains are accepting EBT nationwide so let’s get started.
Papa Murphy’s
The popular takeout and bake pizza chain in America that accepts EBT payments in almost all the states is Papa Murphy’s. You can choose a variety of toppings and fresh ingredients to create your own pizza and bake it at home. They also sell hot, customized pizza at reasonable prices and are known for their taste and quality.
Denny’s
One of the most famous breakfast chains in America with 1500 store locations in 49 states is Denny’s. The chain is popular for serving breakfast options along with classic American food like burgers, sandwiches, and homestyle dinners. Around 50 Denny’s restaurants are accepting EBT by enrolling in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals program.
The Habit Burger Grill
Habit Burger Grill is well known for its commitment to providing charbroiled burgers. The restaurant chain provides flavorful food and quality dishes and even participates in RMP so that they can serve satisfying and delicious meals to all customers. Around 12 locations of The Habit Burger Grill are participating in CalFresh RMP.
Pizza Hut
A well-favored pizza chain known as Pizza Hut offers an expansive selection of pizza choices for customers such as hand-tossed varieties, pan pizza, stuffed crust etc. It also offers sites like chicken wings, breadsticks, cheesy garlic knots etc. Nearly 227 Pizza Hut locations accept EBT in Arizona and California.
Rally’s Hamburgers
A somewhat newcomer to the national fast food restaurant rallies, hamburger is another popular American comfort food restaurant that serves hot dogs, burgers, milkshakes and many other American favorites. You can read our next guide to learn more about Rally’s EBT benefits in America.
Church’s Chicken
Church’s Chicken is another American fast food restaurant that serves fried chicken along with a variety of sites like jalapenos and honey butter biscuits. The fast food chain accepts EBT payments in 12 Arizona locations.
Del Taco
A favorite fast food establishment that is popular among Americans for its Mexican-inspired flavors is Del Taco. The food offerings at Del Taco come with an extensive range of burritos, burgers, tacos and fries. The restaurant has gained popularity for its delicious blend of American and Mexican fast food choices. Around 141 Del Taco fast food places in California accept EBT.
Domino’s Pizza
A renowned international pizza delivery as well as take-out franchise that is popular for providing pizza menus like traditional cheese and pepperoni and other specialty options is Domino’s Pizza. It also offers sides like pasta, chicken wings, sandwiches, tempting desserts etc. Domino’s offers a reliable and convenient choice for pizza lovers and 62 Domino’s locations in California accept EBT payments.
EL Pollo Loco
EL Pollo Loco is popular for its Mexican-inspired flavors and offers chicken-centric dishes, tacos, generously sized family meals, burritos etcetera. The restaurant offers a wide array of Mexican sizes like rice, guacamole, beans etc. Nearly 249 fast-food restaurants in Arizona and California accept EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries.
Jack-In-The-Box
A well-known fast food chain known as Jack-In-The-Box is popular for offering a diverse menu. From tacos to breakfast items and chicken and sandwiches, Jack-In-The-Box provides a wide array of fast food choices to cater to all customers.
Nearly 588 Jack-In-The-Box store locations in Arizona and California accept EBT as a method of payment.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is another popular fast food restaurant that accepts EBT in San Diego CA. Their menu comprises a variety of pizza options including classics like cheese and pepperoni. Little Caesars is committed in terms of affordability and speech to cater to all pizza lovers. However, only a handful of Caesars located in Arizona and California accept EBT as a method of payment.
Dairy Queen
If you are craving a quick bite or ice cream will be pleased to note that Dairy Queen accepts EBT or food stamps in certain Arizona locations. Dairy Queen is a popular ice cream royalty that accepts EBT to make sure low-income households in RMP-approved states can enjoy their delicacies.
Burger King
Burger King is the second largest hamburger chain in America next to McDonald’s. Burger King accepts food stamps in Arizona and California. 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.
Popeyes
A fried chicken fast food restaurant that is known for their spicy fried chicken is Popeyes. With 3500 locations throughout the country, this fast-food restaurant has been an American favorite for a long time. Apart from fried chicken they also serve breaded chicken baskets, spread beans, buttery buttermilk biscuits, rice and other special treats.
Wendy’s
The well-known fast food chain Wendy’s is accepting EBT payments. They provide a wide array of chicken sandwiches, burgers, sides and salads. The strength of the chain lies in its fresh, high-quality never-frozen beef and its commitment to offering high-quality ingredients. Around 86 Wendy’s locations are accepting EBT benefits.
Subway
EBT recipients who are sandwich lovers would be happy to know that Subway accepts food stamps. Apart from sandwiches you can also get different types of bread, toppings, sauces and many more options. Nearly 709 Subway locations are accepting EBT in Arizona, Rhode Island and California.
McDonald’s
The largest fast food chain McDonald’s has thousands of locations throughout America where you can enjoy burgers and various other tasty dishes from this restaurant. The McDonald’s menu comprises American fast food classes like the iconic Big Mac burger, fries, chicken nuggets, fries, desserts, salads, breakfast items, burgers and so on. Nearly 194 McDonald’s store locations accept EBT across California, Arizona and Michigan.
KFC
Fried chicken hasn’t been the same since Harlan Sanders came up with a secret recipe for fried chicken. Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC accepts EBT cards for meal purchases in select RMP locations. Their menu options include wraps, sandwiches, salads and many other items for people with different tastes and preferences. Nearly 140 KFC restaurants accept food stamp benefits.
Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
The popular fast food establishment Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken is popular for its mouth-watering fried chicken. A dozen of Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken store locations in California accept EBT payments from beneficiaries. From chicken pieces to crispy wings the fast-food chain offers a wide array of choices for customers to satisfy their fried chicken cravings.
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. What sets this restaurant chain apart from others is its emphasis on delivering a superior pizza experience. Papa John’s accepts EBT in California.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A, the American restaurant that serves mouth-watering chicken sandwiches and chicken dishes in various flavors holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. The restaurant provides this customer with an extensive menu option that caters to everyone. Unfortunately, Chick-fil-A is not accepting EBT as a method of payment at any of its store locations. This is because the fast-food restaurant chain is not enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program by USDA that facilitates access to hot prepared meals for individuals with EBT benefits at select locations. Nevertheless, our comprehensive guide has provided a list of alternate fast-food chains and restaurants that accept EBT benefits provided you are living in one of the participating locations.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Chick-fil-A and EBT. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
