Does Dunkin’ Donuts Take EBT Card , SNAP Or Food Stamps? No, but you can still enjoy their coffee with a grocery store purchase using your EBT card. Dunkin’ Donuts is a popular coffee and doughnut franchise operating in the United States of America. They were originally popular for Donuts but today it is a popular fast food establishment with coffee and breakfast sandwiches galore. Dunkin’ Donuts changed its name to Dunkin’ in 2019. It is interesting to note that a whopping 60% of the chain’s revenue comes from coffee alone.
If you are enrolled on the SNAP and wish to get a fresh cup of coffee or doughnuts at Dunkin’ then you must wonder whether the company accepts EBT payments or not. Our comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the most common question among SNAP recipients: “Does Dunkin’ Donuts take EBT, SNAP or food stamps?” We will help you to learn about Dunkin’s policies on EBT and the other alternate EBT-friendly stores that you can turn to.
Highlights of this Post
Dunkin’ Donuts and EBT: Key Takeaways
- Dunkin’ Donuts does not accept EBT cards, SNAP, or food stamps.This is because they are not part of the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.
- SNAP recipients can still enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts coffee at homeby purchasing pre-packaged coffee grounds at EBT-approved grocery stores.
- Several alternative payment methods are accepted at Dunkin’ Donuts, including cash, debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- EBT cards can be used to purchase donuts at many grocery stores, but not hot coffee or prepared meals (unless you live in a participating RMP state).
What Are EBT, SNAP And Food Stamps?
Electronic Benefits Transfer refers to an electronic system that enables recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program to purchase food with the help of their SNAP benefits. When SNAP beneficiaries shop at authorized retail stores their EBT account gets debited to reimburse the store for the food that has been purchased.
EBT is accepted in all 50 states including Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands. SNAP or Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards are a replacement for traditional paper stamps. The card works like a debit card and gets preloaded with monthly credits by the program. In a nutshell EBT cards are used similarly to debit cards that will help you to pay for SNAP-eligible food at an authorized location.
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What Is Dunkin’ Donuts?
Dunkin Donuts is an American multinational doughnut and coffee company including a quick service restaurant with 13,500 store locations across 42 countries and a strong presence in the United States of America. It is one of the largest coffee and doughnut chains in the world that sells donuts, munchkin doughnut holes, coffee, and bagels.
As of March 2024, there are nearly 9593 Dunkin’ Donuts store locations throughout the United States of America. The maximum number of Dunkin’ Donuts store locations is situated in New York with nearly 1427 store locations which is equivalent to 15% of all the Dunkin’ doughnut locations in the USA.
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The company is dedicated to providing consistently delicious and smooth cups of high-quality coffee, donuts and even packaged coffee with a wide variety of blends, formats and flavors so that you can enjoy the amazing taste of Dunkin at home.
Following is the list of states and territories that do not have any Dunkin’ Donuts store locations
- Idaho
- Puerto Rico
- South Dakota
- American Samoa
- Oregon
- Washington
- Montana
- Guam
- Virgin Islands
- North Dakota
- Northern Mariana Island
Note: Currently there are 11 states and territories without any Dunkin Donut locations in America.
Can You Add Your Ebt To Apple Pay? Find the answer in our next guide.
Does Dunkin’ Donuts Take EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Unfortunately, EBT payments are currently not accepted at Dunkin’ Donuts. This is because this popular coffee and doughnut franchise is not participating in the SNAP Restaurant Meals program. However, SNAP beneficiaries can purchase coffee grounds from other EBT-friendly markets and enjoy coffee at Dunkin. You will find amazing doughnut options at EBT-friendly bakeries in your local area.
If you are enrolled on SNAP and depend on government assistance to cover your food bills then you can shop for necessary food or groceries at other participating markets. You can also order groceries online with the help of your EBT card if your state participates in this SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program. Those who are struggling to make ends meet can turn to soup kitchens, food pantries or government assistance programs to pay for their food bills.
Read also: Does Shipt Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
What Is The Restaurant Meals Program And How Is It Related To Dunkin’ Donuts?
The acronym RMP stands for the Restaurant Meals program and is a part of the government-sponsored Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. SNAP helps low-income Americans afford nutritious food and beverages. SNAP members enrolled in this program can use their EBT card to buy food ingredients from convenience stores, grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
This extension of the SNAP program is designed explicitly for elderly, disabled and homeless SNAP recipients who are struggling to prepare food due to their old age, disability or lack of housing.
Also Read : Does Buc-ee’s Accept EBT Card, SNAP or Food Stamps
The Restaurant Meals Program enables disadvantaged individuals to use their SNAP benefits or EBT card to buy hot prepared meals. The restaurants that are participating in this program may change from one state to another.
Following is the list of fast food restaurants that are participating in the RMP initiative.
- Carl’s Jr.
- Domino’s Pizza
- Little Caesars
- KFC
- EL Pollo Loco
- Papa John’s
- Papa Murphy’s
- Pizza Hut
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- Del Taco
- Jack-In-The-Box to name a few.
Is Dunkin’ Donuts Participating In The Restaurant Meals Program?
No, presently Dunkin’ Donuts is not participating in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. However new restaurants are enrolling in this initiative every year and it is expected that Dunkin’ Donuts can be their next. Unfortunately, SNAP beneficiaries cannot use their EBT card for payment in the Dunkin’ Donuts stores at present however you can purchase prepackaged Dunkin’ Donuts coffee beans and grounds from participating grocery stores.
Those who are living in an RMP approved state can use their EBT card at various other places to get coffee like Denny’s, KFC or Burger King. It is critical to note that not all franchises and states are enrolling into this program. So far the Restaurant Meals Program is only available in
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
The participating restaurants may change from one state to another so you need to double-check with the restaurant that accepts RMP payments from SNAP beneficiaries before heading into one.
How To Get Dunkin’ Donuts Using Food Stamps or EBT Card?
EBT allows SNAP beneficiaries to purchase nutritious groceries and food items in-store however hot prepared foods such as Dunkin coffee or sandwiches are not covered in this initiative. Sadly you cannot use your food stamp benefits in a Dunkin retail store but you can enjoy your favorite Dunkin coffee with the help of an EBT card.
A lot of grocery stores are carrying Dunkin prepackaged coffee grounds and beans and accept EBT payments. If you’re looking for grocery stores near you that are accepting EBT cards then you can simply enter your zip code or address into the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator and type Dunkin’ Donuts to find the stores near you.
Some of the major grocery stores that are accepting SNAP payments and provide Dunkin’ Donuts coffee to SNAP beneficiaries are as follows:
- Kroger
- Food Lion
- Publix
- Target
- CVS
- Walmart
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What Are The Items You Can Buy With EBT Card or Food Stamps?
While using your EBT card or SNAP funds you can cover most of your basic grocery needs and many other unexpected items that have been listed below.
- Milk and Dairy Products: This include all types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase.
- Bread and cereals: This includes all types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Beverages. While, you cannot purchase hot coffee, teas or lettuce using your SNAP benefits card. You can purchase brew-it-yourself tea and coffee using SNAP Benefits including cold beverages like cold drinks, fountain drinks, smoothies, and iced coffees that are intended for human consumption.
- Protein powders, shakes and bars: You can purchase meal replacement shakes, protein powders, bars or any other shakes that come with a Nutrition Facts label instead of a Supplements Facts label
- Plant, seeds and seedlings: You can use your food stamp benefits to pick up plants, seeds or seedlings that can help you produce fruits, vegetables or herbs at your home.
- Baby Formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase infant formula including cereals, baby food and juices to feed your baby.
- Live Lobsters and Seafood: You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase live seafood such as lobsters, clams, and shrimp including live fish removed from water.
- Snack items: This includes bakery cakes, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets comprising eligible food items.
- Meals at restaurants.: A lot of states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program that enables enrollees to use food stamps to purchase prepared meals at select restaurants. To qualify for the program you must be 60 or older and must be experiencing homelessness or have a disability. You can purchase meals if you are residing in Arizona, California, Michigan, Maryland, Illinois and Rhode Island.
- Food Online: Beneficiaries can use their EBT card to purchase eligible items from approved retailers in their state. This applies to the state that participates in the Online Purchasing Pilot Program however you cannot use the benefits to pay for fees for shipping or delivery costs.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
What Can’t You Buy With Your EBT Card or Food Stamps?
The USDA oversees the SNAP EBT benefits and as per the official website of the agency following is the list of items that you cannot purchase with EBT funds.
- Alcohol And Tobacco Products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, low-alcohol beers labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic, Dealcoholized wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes etc. However, you can use the EBT card to purchase wine vinegar, wine, and vanilla extract as they can be used for cooking ingredients.
- Medicine, Vitamins and Supplements: Any item that comprises the Supplement Facts Label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot buy vitamins, medicines and supplements with your EBT card.
- Hot Prepared Food. This includes hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant meals.
- Live Animals. You cannot purchase live animals using your EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
- Non Food Items. This includes cleaning supplies from pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items for cooking utensils etc.
Following are the consequences that you may face if you make any unapproved food purchase at any grocery store using your EBT card– a 3 three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase, a year ban for the second unapproved SNAP purchase and a two year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.
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Where Can I Purchase Donuts With My EBT or Food Stamps?
You can use your food stamps or EBT card to purchase nutritious food, drinks and even donuts at participating convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers markets, local food cooperatives, gas stations and with top retailers like Target, Amazon, Walmart and Instacart. You can also use your EBT card at various grocery aisle pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS.
One of the easiest and simplest ways to find out which grocery store is accepting EBT cards near you is to use the Online SNAP Retailer Locator where you have to search your area by state, city or zip code and find convenient options in your neighboring area.
A lot of grocery stores are selling delicious pre-packaged donuts within the aisles or delicious donuts from their bakery and are accepting EBT payments. As a hot cup of coffee goes well with doughnuts you can easily buy Dunkin’ Donuts coffee grounds and beans at various grocery stores throughout the country using your EBT card.
Read also: Does QuikTrip Accept SNAP or EBT?
What Are The Other Forms Of Payment Accepted By Dunkin’ Donuts?
While Dunkin’ Donuts does not accept EBT payments many other alternate options are acceptable at Dunkin’ Donuts. It is one of the growing quick-service restaurants that is popular among Americans for its quality and taste.
You can use the alternate form of payment as a backup for things that are not covered by your EBT funds.
These are as follows:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
- Cash
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
How To Use Your EBT Card At Authorized Stores?
You can use your food stamps or EBT card at any authorized store locations across various states in the U.S in the same way as you show with your debit or credit card at any food market or convenience store.
You can inform your cashier that you will be using your EBT card or food stamp as a method of payment and he or she will let you know how to swipe or insert your card through the machine. You have to enter the four digit PIN that you have selected while applying for the SNAP program.
Customers must make two different transactions for each payment if they are using both SNAP and Cash benefits to complete the transaction. You can use SNAP benefits if you’re shopping for eligible items as the benefits cannot be returned once used. Keep the receipt for any returns to track your spending and see the balance at the bottom of the receipt.
List of Retailers That Accept EBT For Eligible Food Items
In the below section, we will cover a list of grocery stores in America where EBT is accepted as a method of payment.
Amazon
If you’re looking for food service companies that accept EBT cards for payment then you can go for Amazon. EBT cards are accepted at Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com. Moreover, you can also purchase a wide array of products from the company.
Walmart
Walmart started accepting EBT payments from customers in 2020 just a year after Amazon. Customers can use Walmart to purchase grocery items and pay using their EBT cards. However, the goods should fall within the acceptable item list.
Target
Similar to DoorDash and Amazon, Target accepts EBT payments. They have been allowing customers to use EBT cards for payment since 2022. SNAP recipients can use the Target order pickup option as well. Customers get the convenience to choose their desired food and grocery items online.
Instacart
A lot of grocery stores on the Instacart website or app enable customers to pay for their groceries using SNAP EBT cards. Customers can order grocery items for pickup using Instacart. The main exceptions to the rules are grocery stores located in Alaska, Montana and Louisiana.
Other Grocery Stores
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- City Market
- Family Food Stores
- Foodland
- Food Lion
- Friendly Foods
- Albertsons
- Kroger
- ALDI
- Walgreen
- CVS
- H Mart
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- Harris Teeter
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Foods
- Kroger
- Market Basket
Conclusion
Dunkin’ Donuts is not accepting EBT cards, food stamps or SNAP at any of its retail locations. However, you can still enjoy your favorite Dunkin’ Donuts coffee from participating local grocery chains and get Donuts from EBT-accepting bakeries. You just have to pick up Dunkin’ Donuts coffee grounds at authorized supermarkets using your EBT card and prepare fresh Dunkin coffee at your home. For low-income families and individuals in America who rely on SNAP benefits can find convenient grocery stores that accept EBT payments, by referring to the above section of the article. You can however enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts food and beverage options using alternate sources of payment.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Dunkin’ Donuts and EBT. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy Donuts At Grocery Stores Using My EBT Card?
Yes, it is possible to use your EBT card to purchase donuts as well as doughnut holes at participating grocery stores near you. You just have to buy prepackaged snacks instead of hot meals or prepared food to use your EBT card.
Why Doesn’t Dunkin Donuts Accept EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Dunkin’ Donuts does not accept food stamps or EBT at any of its retail locations since it is not authorized by the Restaurant Meals Program in most U.S. states. However, all the states are accepting SNAP or EBT cards at grocery stores or you can buy Dunkin’ Donuts coffee grounds at any store that accepts EBT cards.
Can You Use Your EBT or Food Stamps To Purchase Hot Food?
Generally, SNAP benefits or EBT cards do not cover hot food or prepared restaurant meals however if you are living in a state that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program and can fulfill the eligibility criteria such as being elderly, disabled or homeless then you can purchase prepared meals at restaurants using your SNAP benefits.
How Can I Purchase Food And Groceries Online If I Am On SNAP?
There are many ways to get your food items and groceries using EBT funds. If you are on food stamps or SNAP you can use the Online Purchasing Pilot Program that will help you to purchase groceries online from major retailers like Target or Walmart, Amazon, Instacart etc.