Does Dairy Queen Take Ebt Cards, Snap or Food Stamp – With the rising cost of food and inflation in the United States of America millions of Americans are relying on food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to pay their food bills. The program enables low-income households to purchase SNAP-eligible food at participating restaurants through an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card.
Fortunately, USDA has extended the SNAP benefits in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program that allows the recipients to enjoy food at fast food establishments with their EBT card. If you’re enrolled on the SNAP program and wonder whether you can use the benefits at Dairy Queen or not then you have come to the right place. This guide will provide an overview of Dairy Queen’s policies on EBT and how you can use your card at this fast food chain.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Dairy Queen accepts EBT in limited statesparticipating in the RMP.
- Only Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, and Rhode Islandallow EBT purchases at authorized restaurants.
- Not all Dairy Queen locations accept EBT.
- Check if your local store participates before heading out.
Overview Of The Restaurant Meals Program
The USDA has expanded the SNAP program in various states to benefit certain groups of people who are unable to prepare meals at home due to their old age, disability or homelessness. This extended SNAP benefit comes in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program and is administered by the U.S Department of Agriculture at the state level.
Under this program, elderly, homeless and disabled SNAP recipients can purchase hot prepared meals from participating restaurants and alleviate their hunger. However not all states are participating in this program. Until now only six states are enrolled in the SNAP RMP initiative: Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, and Rhode Island.
Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
What Is Dairy Queen?
Dairy Queen is a renowned fast food chain that is popular among Americans for its soft-serve ice cream treats such as blizzards and dilly bars. The chain also serves burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and many other frozen desserts that make it a preferred destination for those who want to enjoy a combination of sweet and savory delights.
Dairy Queen has approximately 4000 locations throughout the United States of America. Even though Dairy Queen is participating in the EBT program you cannot use it in all store locations. The fast food chain has been serving unique soft-serve ice cream since the 1940s and is famous for Blizzard Card, a cup of soft-serve ice cream mixed with goodies like chocolate, former candies, common nuts, Oreo cookies etc.
Interested in knowing about: Does WinCo Accept EBT? Read our next guide here.
Does Dairy Queen Accept Your Food Stamp Benefits?
Yes, Dairy Queen is one of the participating stores that is enrolled in the SNAP EBT program in America however not all Dairy Queen locations accept EBT benefits. You can use your food stamp benefits in RMP-approved states like Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois, California and Michigan.
Initially, the Food Stamp or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was designed so that beneficiaries could purchase food for human consumption with their EBT card. However, this seemed to be a barrier for elderly, disabled and homeless individuals who could not prepare food at home so the USDA extended the SNAP program in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program at designated locations and enabled a few beneficiaries to purchase hot prepared meals.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
What Can You Purchase With Your EBT Card From Dairy Queen?
You can purchase the following items with your EBT card from Dairy Queen in RMP-approved Arizona counties.
- Blizzard
- Cookies
- Burgers and sandwiches
- Meal deals
- Snacks, sides and salad
- Onion rings
- Fries
- Cheese curds
- Chicken strips
- Soft drink
- Pretzel sticks
- Cheeseburgers
- Chicken baskets
- Classic treats and other dessert items
- Blended beverages
- Icy cold beverages
- Slushies and smoothies
- Kids meals
- Varieties of cake
- Dairy-free desserts like the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar and Star Kiss Frozen Treat
Dairy Queen’s target market is geared towards the younger generation and millennials. Their latest campaign targets specific demographics such as female millennials and the marketing efforts of the fast food chain extend towards the demographics of children.
Dairy Queen Menu Prices On All Your Favorites
- The Blizzard Treats Menu ranges between $3.59 to as high as $5.39 depending on the type of Blizzard and whether you are selecting between mini, small or medium size
- The Classic Treats Menu prices range between $1.59 and go as high as $12.99.
- The DQ Cake Menu prices range between $25.99 and $32.99.
- The Shakes and Malts Menu prices range between $3.69 and $25.28 depending on whether you are choosing small, medium or large menu items
- Burgers and Sandwiches Menu Prices range between $5.99 to $210.39 depending on whether you are making single, double or triple choice
- Chicken Strips Menu prices range between $6.99 to $213.38 and come with four-piece and six-piece options
- Salads and Sides Menu prices range between $2.99 to $6.49
- Dairy Queen Kids Meal Menu prices costs up to $5.19.
SNAP recipients also look for: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In Kentucky?
Who Is Eligible To Purchase From Dairy Queen With EBT Card?
Not everyone can qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program and use food stamp benefits at fast food chains like Dairy Queen. To purchase meals at restaurants that accept EBT you need to fulfill any of the following mentioned criteria.
- Must be an elderly (60 years or above in age)
- Must be disabled and receiving disability compensation or benefits from the government
- Must be homeless with no nighttime address
- Must be the spouse of a SNAP recipient who is also eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
It is also important to ensure you are living in an RMP-approved state that accepts EBT and make sure you are visiting an RMP-approved restaurant to use your EBT benefits.
Recommended: Does Murphy USA Take EBT?
What Can You Purchase Using Your EBT Card?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has set strict guidelines on the type of food that you can purchase with your food stamp benefits. In the section below, we have covered a few items that you can cover using your EBT card.
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)
- Cooking oil such as vegetable or olive oil
- Poultry products like eggs and chicken
- Dairy products like almond milk, cheese, milk, butter
- Seafood like fish, lobster, shellfish
- Red meat like ribs, steak, ground beef,
- Bread and cereals such as tortillas, rice, bagels, pasta, oatmeal, pita bread, rye bread
- Desert such as cookies, brownies, ice cream
- Snack items including 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
People also look for: Does the Amish Market Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
What Can’t You Purchase With Your EBT or Food Stamp Benefits?
Following is the list of things that you cannot purchase with your EBT or food stamp benefits as per USDA guidelines.
- 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.
Also read: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT
How To Use EBT At Dairy Queen?
Inserting or swiping your EBT card at fast food places that accept food stamps is a simple process. In the below section, we have mentioned a step-by-step guide on how you can use your EBT card at an RMP approved Dairy Queen location.
Locating A Participating Restaurant
The first and foremost step is to identify RMP-approved Dairy Queen locations that accept food stamps or EBT cards in your area. You can also use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to find a neighboring location near you.
Check your EBT Balance
Before heading to an RMP-approved Dairy Queen restaurant make sure they accept it as a method of payment. Restaurants that accept EBT usually display sign boards stating they accept EBT or EBT card holders are welcome at the cashier’s counter or near the entrance.
Insert or Swipe Your EBT Card
When it’s time to pay for your food, present your EBT card at the payment window if you’re at the drive-thru or to the cashier. You need to enter your 4-digit PIN at the cash register to complete the transaction. After completing the transaction you will get your receipt like any other customer.
Read also: Does Gordon Food Service Store Take SNAP or EBT Cards?
Does Dairy Queen Accept EBT Cards in Arizona?
The beloved American chain Dairy Queen is a preferred go-to destination for those who want to enjoy a delightful variety of fast food favorites and frozen treats. Three Dairy Queen locations in Arizona accept food stamps or EBT benefits.
Following is the list of Dairy Queen locations in Arizona that accept EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries.
- Phoenix: Nearly two Dairy Queen locations in Phoenix AZ accept EBT as a method of payment
- Tucson: There are 31 RMP-approved restaurants located in Tucson AZ among which Dairy Queen is one of them.
Interested in knowing: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answer in our next guide.
Why Don’t Dairy Queen Restaurants Accept Food Stamps or EBT Cards In All States?
The following is a list of reasons why Dairy Queen is not accepting EBT or food stamps as a method of payment throughout the country.
RMP Availability
The Restaurant Meals Program authorizes EBT cardholders to use food stamps at participating restaurants. RMP is a voluntary initiative and SNAP leaves it to states whether they want to enroll in the program or not.
As a lot of states are not participating in this initiative this means Dairy Queen food items are unapproved for food stamp purchase in non-RMP states. Only a few Dairy Queen locations in Arizona counties are accepting EBT payments.
SNAP Rules And Guidelines
Not every Dairy Queen restaurant is accepting food stamps due to this compliance with strict SNAP rules and guidelines. Every individual restaurant has to enroll in the RMP, comply with EBT processing and report transactions to SNAP authorities. This makes it challenging for a lot of stores and so not all Dairy Queen store locations match the criteria for deciding to participate in RMP.
What Are The Other Payment Options Acceptable At Dairy Queen?
Besides EBT payments in select locations Dairy Queen also accepts many other varieties of payments to provide more convenience and flexibility to their customers.
An alternative payment source comes in handy if your EBT card runs out of funds or if you get to know the store that you are visiting is not RMP-enrolled. The other payment methods accepted by a Dairy Queen are as follows:
- Cash
- Coupons
- Apple Pay
- Major Credit Cards.
Recommended: Does ampm Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Can You Use Your EBT Card To Order Meals Online From Dairy Queen?
No, you cannot use your food stamps to order meals from Dairy Queen online. This is because Dairy Green accepts EBT only in select locations in Arizona and most of the restaurants will not participate in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program that allows EBT cardholders to order food online using their EBT funds.
It is critical to note that not all retailers accept food stamps or EBT cards for online purchases. However, you can use your EBT card for online shopping from a variety of major retailers that are enrolled in the SNAP Online Pilot Purchasing Program. These retailers are as follows.
- Aldi
- Walmart
- ShopRite
- Kroger
- Wright’s Markets
- Wegmans
- Fresh Direct
- Amazon
- Instacart
- Food lion
- Safeway
- Publix
- BJs Wholesale Club
If you’re not sure whether a retailer that you are considering will accept EBT cards as a method of payment online you can call or check their official website before making a purchase. Even if a retailer accepts EBT cards there can be restrictions in place on the type of items that you can purchase. No matter whether you are making an in-store purchase or an online purchase with your EBT card the USDA rules and guidelines on the use of food stamps remain the same.
Read also: Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
What Are The Other Fast Food Chains That Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
As you know Dairy Queen accepts EBT only in select locations in Arizona if you’re not a resident of Arizona then you can take a look at the following alternate fast food chains that accept payments in many other RMP-approved states.
Burger King
The second largest hamburger chain in America after McDonald’s is Burger King which has 18700 + locations in more than 100 countries. Burger King is accepting EBT cards in 112 store locations in California and Arizona and this enables SNAP beneficiaries to enjoy burgers, tasty treats and fries at participating locations.
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr has been serving customers since 1941 and has 1000 + store locations throughout the country. The chain also operates in 28 other countries. Carl’s Jr. is accepting EBT payments in 208 store locations situated in California and Arizona. The fast food chain serves burgers, sandwiches, and sides at select locations where it accepts EBT benefits.
Church’s Chicken
The beloved fast-food chain Church’s Chicken serves delectable fried chicken with South-inspired dishes. They also serve mashed potatoes, biscuits, and coleslaw with its signature southern flair. Church’s Chicken accepts EBT in a handful of Arizona counties.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a popular fast food restaurant that is accepting EBT benefits in Arizona and California. Besides serving hamburgers they also serve milkshakes, french fries, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, beef burgers, potato fries, salads etc. in all its store locations throughout the United States of America McDonald’s accepts EBT in 149 locations across Arizona, California and Michigan.
Domino’s Pizza
The renowned international pizza delivery and takeout franchise Domino’s Pizza is accepting EBT as a method of payment in California. Nearly 62 Domino’s locations are accepting EBT payments in California and provide SNAP recipients to enjoy pasta, chicken wings, sandwiches, desserts, and an extensive pizza menu with their EBT benefits.
Del Taco
The popular fast food chain Del Taco specializes in serving American fast food and American-inspired meals. They provide tacos, burgers, burritos, fries with a different Del Taco twist. They run 600 locations in America in 16 states and accept EBT in 141 California store locations.
Denny’s
With more than 1500 locations in 49 U.S. states, Denny’s is a popular diner-style restaurant chain that prides itself on opening 24/7 and serving lunch, dinner, and breakfast round the clock. Their menu comprises American dishes like burgers, breakfast options, sandwiches, desserts, milkshakes, steaks, pancakes etcetera. They accept EBT payments in California.
EL Pollo Loco
EL Pollo Loco is a fast food restaurant that is well known for serving Mexican-inspired cuisine with its emphasis on flame-grilled chicken. They also provide menu items such as chicken burritos, signature flame-grilled chicken, tacos and other side dishes like beans, rice and corn. With more than 450 locations throughout the country nearly 249 El Pollo Loco store locations in Arizona and California are accepting EBT payments.
Jack-In-The-Box
The fast food place Jack-In-The-box is well known for serving menu items like burgers, tacos, milkshakes, breakfast items and chicken sandwiches. With 2200 locations in the United States Jack-In-The-box accepts EBT in Arizona and California.
KFC
The Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC is a well-renowned fast food restaurant for its fried chicken that comes with a delicious blend of 11 herbs and spices. They also serve chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, delicious chicken sandwiches and biscuits. With 4000+ locations throughout the country, KFC accepts EBT in Arizona and California.
Little Caesars
The fast food restaurant Little Caesars Pizza is known for its delicious and affordable pizza made with high-quality ingredients. Apart from pizza they also serve chicken wings, cinnamon sticks and breadsticks. With 5000 U.S store locations, Little Caesars is accepting food stamps only in a handful of Arizona and California locations.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s is another widely recognized pizza delivery and takeout chain that serves pizza made with high-quality and fresh ingredients that are satisfying and flavourful. Papa John’s accepts EBT from SNAP recipients in a few counties of Arizona and California by participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Papa Murphy’s
The popular take-and-bake pizza chain Papa Murphy’s serves ready-made pizzas. Here customers have opportunities to customize their pizzas and take them home to bake at their convenience. They accept EBT cards at all their store locations.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is a giant pizza chain that provides an expansive selection of pizza menus along with sides like chicken wings, pasta dishes, breadsticks, cheesy garlic knots etc. Nearly 227 Pizza Hut stores in California and Arizona accept EBT payments.
Rally’s Hamburger
The fast food chain Rally’s Hamburger offers quick satisfying meals and is known for serving classic American fast food like burgers, chicken and hot dogs, fish sandwiches etc. They are accepting EBT in Arizona and California counties through the RMP program.
Subway
Subway is another fast food restaurant that is famed for its footlong sandwiches. They operate 77,000 store locations in 100+ countries. They accept EBT as a method of payment in certain Arizona and California counties.
Taco Bell
The popular Mexican fast food chain that has 7000 + locations throughout America accepts EBT as a method of payment in Arizona and California. Their iconic menu comprises Nacho cheese, Doritos, Taco along with a variety of dishes.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a popular fast food chain in America that is famous for its frosties and burgers foods with 6000 store locations in all states. They accept EBT in certain California locations.
Popeye’s
Popeye’s is another beloved fried chicken chain that has been working for more than 50 years in Louisiana and has also spread in the southern part of the United States. They are accepting EBT in certain Arizona and California counties.
Conclusions
Dairy Queen accepts EBT or food stamp benefits as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries only in select states that are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. Through this program, vulnerable and disadvantaged people who are unable to prepare their meals at their household due to old age, disabilities or lack of stable housing can purchase affordable and quick meals at Dairy Queen. Individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must be aware that they can pay for their restaurant meals or fast food at several chains with their EBT card only if they’re living in certain states most commonly— California and Arizona. A lot of fast food chains have expanded SNAP EBT card usage in Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia and Illinois but only in select cities or counties.
Learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program and improve your living situation by reading our guide at the Get Government Grants’ section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Dairy Queen Restaurants Are There?
There are more than 6000 store locations of Dairy Queen operating throughout the United States, Canada and 20 other countries. To find your closest Dairy Queen location you need to enter your postal code in the search field at the top of the Dairy Queen web page and then select ‘Find your Store’ option.
Which U.S State Has The Most Dairy Queen Restaurants?
The maximum number of Dairy Queen restaurants are located in Texas with more than 600 store locations but unfortunately you cannot use your EBT card in Texas as Texas is not enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program.