Does Menchie’s Accept EBT Card, Snap Or Food Stamps – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal initiative that has been designed to help low-income Americans pay for their food bills and eliminate hunger. A 2020 report by Pew Research Center states approximately 41.9 million Americans have received EBT benefits that accounts for 10.5% of the overall American population.
Those who love to shop with Menchie’s and are also enrolled in the EBT initiative would be curious to know whether this company accepts EBT as a method of payment or not. Menchie’s is popular for its self-serve treats and food. If you are wondering whether Menchie’s accepts EBT cards or not then look no further as this guide will help you to know comprehensive details about Menchie’s and EBT. Our comprehensive guide will help you learn about Menchie’s policies on EBT and what are the alternate fast food places that accept EBT.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Menchie’s does not accept EBT cards.
- SNAP restricts EBT purchases to healthy food items for home preparation.
- Menchie’s frozen yogurt falls outside the SNAP program’s guidelines.
- Several fast-food restaurants accept EBT in select locations.
What Is SNAP/ EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer and is an electronic system in the United States of America that allows state welfare departments to distribute government funds to its citizens in the form of a digital card. The recipients of SNAP EBT can receive government funds in the form of cash and food benefits.
Also Read : Does QuikTrip Accept SNAP or EBT?
The food including non-alcoholic drinks benefits is restricted by the federal government through SNAP. SNAP authorizes food items for the recipients and approves markets and retailers for food provision. On approval of the SNAP program, you will get a plastic blank card called Electronic Benefits Transfer card which will be loaded with monthly SNAP credits that will help you pay for eligible purchases at authorized retail shops.
What is Menchie’s?
Menchie’s is a frozen yogurt chain that provides self-serve frozen yogurt in a variety of topping choices and flavors. Most of their sorbet options are dairy-free and they also provide a wide array of dairy-free vegan flavors. If you’re looking for non-dairy and plant-based food options you can surely visit your local Menchie’s store.
Also Read : Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
Menchie’s list of frozen yogurts is divided into various categories such as low-fat, non-fat, sorbet, tart, low-carb, no-sugar-added and gluten-free options. Unfortunately, Menchie’s do not accept EBT or food stamps as a method of payment. If you are enrolled on SNAP and depend on government benefits to pay for groceries or food bills you have to use alternate methods to purchase items from Menchie’s.
List Of Menchie’s Food Options
Menchie’s provides a wide range of toppings and flavors. Customers can also find dairy-free or vegan toppings but remember not all stores provide the same items. Here is a list of yogurt toppings that you can find at Menchie’s store locations:
Also Read : Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
- Plain almonds
- Andes Mints
- Blue gummy sharks
- Bursting boba
- Brownies
- Butterfinger
- Cap’n Crunch crunch berries
- Marshmallow Sauce
- Coconut
- Fresh Apples
- Fresh Bananas
- Fresh Blackberries
- Fresh Blueberries
- Fresh Cantaloupe
- Sour Gummy Worms
- Sour Gummy Poppers
- Sour Patch Kids
- Dark chocolate raspberry hearts
- Kraft cool whip
- Nutter Butter Cookies
- Frosted animal cookies
- Carob chips
Why Doesn’t Menchie’s Accept SNAP/ EBT?
Menchie’s does not accept EBT as a method of payment due to the restriction placed by the United States Department of Agriculture that prevents the company from participating in EBT transactions. Menchie’s is not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program that allows specific customers such as the elderly, disabled or homeless people in approved states to use their EBT card at select fast food chains and restaurants.
Moreover, Menchie’s provides frozen yogurt instead of nutritional meals. The SNAP program focuses on offering healthy and nutritious meals so that individuals can feed their families. Menchie’s accepts different payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, and cash however EBT cards are not supported due to technical and regulatory constraints. The present payment processing system of Menchie’s is not compatible with SNAP EBT transactions.
What Kind Of Food Can I Purchase With My EBT Card?
The SNAP program focuses on the provision of nutritional and healthy food for needy families and individuals.
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase.
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter are eligible
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
- 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.
- Baking ingredients. This includes flour, sugar eggs flavoring etc.
- Staple cooking ingredients. This includes herbs, seasoning and spices.
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card if they are labeled as Nutrition Facts label.
There are specific foods that are not eligible as per SNAP and this includes takeaway food orders, fast food, street stall drinks, snacks, alcohol etc. This is because the main focus of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is to provide families with items that they can cook at home and enjoy nourishing meals. The United States Department of Agriculture has published a long list of products and food items that you can buy using your SNAP benefits. Unfortunately, these items are not available at Menchie’s.
SNAP recipients also look for: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In Kentucky?
What Food Items Can’t I Purchase With My EBT Card?
As you know Menchie’s does not accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries it is recommended to know the acceptable food items that you can generally purchase from authorized grocery stores using your EBT card. The following is a list of items that you cannot cover with your food stamps or EBT card from any grocery store:
- Alcohol and Tobacco: EBT funds cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages like wine, liquor, beer, cigarettes and any other tobacco products
- Health and Beauty: This includes cosmetics, medications, vitamins, hygiene products and supplements.
- Household Supplies: This includes non-food items like paper goods and cleaning products
- Hot Prepared Food: This includes food items that are ready for immediate consumption such as hot prepared meals and food from restaurants.
- Pet Supplies: This includes pet food, bedding and toys
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish).
What Kind Of Places Accept SNAP Benefits or EBT Payments?
Formerly known as the food stamps, the EBT program has been designed to assist needy households purchase healthy and nutritious food. This is the reason why EBT is accepted only at authorized food suppliers or retail outlets and not at fast food outlets like Menchie’s.
Grocery stores or markets that are participating in the SNAP program display acceptance posters which will help you to decide whether you can use your EBT card there. A lot of major grocery chains accept EBT cards and this includes big retail stores like Target and Walmart.
Even pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS allow SNAP recipients to use their EBT card to purchase approved food items. You can use your card at certain farmers markets, convenience stores, gas stations and food cooperatives. If you’re not sure where you can use your food stamps you can take help from the online USDA SNAP Retailer Locator to find eligible retailers in your local area.
What Grocery Stores Accept EBT A Method Of Payment?
EBT cardholders who are looking for grocery stores from where they can purchase food items and groceries with the help of food stamps can take a look at the following comprehensive list of stores.
- Albertsons
- All Stores
- Amazon
- Safeway
- City Market
- Dollar Tree
- Big Y Foods
- CVS
- Hometown Foods
- Friendly Foods
- Piggly Wiggly
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- Rite Aid
- Kroger
- Publix
- Market Basket
- Foodland
- Food Lion
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Instacart
- Harris Teeter
- Family Food Stores
- H Mart
- Kroger
- Jubilee Foods
- ALDI
- Walgreen
- Speedway
It Is important to note that the aforementioned list of stores is not exhaustive and many more stores are accepting EBT in every corner of the state. You can head to the official USDA website to learn more details about the participating stores that are best friendly. There are even online retailers like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Target that are accepting EBT by participating in the Online Pilot Program.
How To Use EBT At Fast Food Places?
Using your EBT card at fast food places that accept food stamp benefits is a pretty simple process. In the below section, we have provided a step-by-step guide that will help you to pay for your food using your EBT card.
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Locate A Participating Fast Food Restaurant
The first and foremost step is to identify a restaurant or fast food chain that accepts EBT in your state. Only a few states like Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Michigan, Maryland and Illinois are participating in RMP and few authorized restaurants are accepting EBT in these states.
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Check EBT Acceptance And Place Your Order
Before heading to a local restaurant make sure they accept EBT as a method of payment. Once you confirm that the local restaurant accepts EBT, approach the counter or drive through to place your order and purchase eligible food from the menu.
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Swipe Your EBT Card
When it comes to paying for your order, simply present your EBT card to the cashier at the payment window if you’re at the drive-thru. Enter your 4-digit PIN to complete the transaction. Once the transaction is completed you will get your food just like any other customer.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
How Can I Pay For My Food At Menchie’s?
Customers can pay for food at Menchie’s in the store or through the Menchie’s app through any other payment source apart from EBT. This includes the following
- Visa card
- Discover Card
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Cash
Moreover, you can also redeem smiley account points, redeem gift cards or birthday vouchers at Menchie’s in-store.
Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
Alternate Fast Food Stores/ Restaurants That Accept EBT
As you know Menchie’s 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.
Burger King
Burger King is a renowned fast-food burger chain that offers flame-grilled burgers with extensive menus like sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, salads, delectable onion rings, crispy fries etc. Burger enthusiasts who have enrolled in the SNAP RMP program can use their EBT as a method of payment. Burger King has 110 store locations across Arizona, California and Maryland that welcome EBT cardholders.
Carl’s Jr.
Another renowned fast-food establishment that has gained popularity for its burger offerings is Carl’s Jr. Their menu comes with iconic options like western bacon cheeseburgers along with chicken sandwiches for breakfast choices, hand-breaded chicken tenders etc. Carl’s Jr. prides itself on delivering generous and bold flavors thereby making it a top choice among Americans. Nearly 208 Carls Junior fast food locations are accepting EBT payments in Arizona and California.
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 as a method of payment.
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
Fast food chain known as 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 chickens and witches, 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.
KFC
A renowned fast food chain that has a global presence and is known for delicious fried chicken offerings is KFC. Their menu comprises mashed potatoes, biscuits, cold slow, mouth-watering chicken dishes etc. Nearly 140 KFC store locations in Arizona and California accept EBT payments.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is a popular pizza restaurant that serves hot and ready pizza offerings and has gained popularity for offering convenient and affordable pizza options. 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 cases located in Arizona and California accept EBT as a method of payment.
Papa John’s
A widely recognized pizza delivery, as well as a takeout chain that is celebrated for its quality ingredients and delectable pizza, is Papa John’s. They offer a variety of classic pizzas like pepperoni, specialty pizza etc. Only selective locations in Arizona and California accept EBT from SNAP Beneficiaries.
Papa Murphy’s
A beloved and unique pizza chain that serves steak and baked pizza and provides customers with an opportunity to customize their pizza that they can take at home to bake at their convenience is Papa Murphy’s. Papa Murphy accepts EBT from customers at all locations throughout the country.
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.
Subway
Subway is a popular sandwich chain that is known for providing customizable sandwiches from flavorful wraps and fresh salads. Customers at Subway can choose their perfect meal by selecting from a wide area of ingredients like crisp vegetables, a variety of bread options, condiments, savory meats etc. Nearly 709 Subway locations accept EBT in Arizona, Michigan, California, Virginia and Rhode Island.
Taco Bell
Known for serving Mexican-inspired dishes Taco Bell boasts a wide array of dishes and their offerings include classic burritos and tacos including mouthwatering nachos and quesadillas. The store has gained a reputation for offering budget-friendly renovative menu items. 25 Taco Bell locations accept EBT in select locations in America.
Wendy’s
A fast food chain that has earned a reputation for offering square-shaped burgers along with fresh never-frozen beef is Wendy’s. Their menu option features chicken sandwiches, burgers, wholesome salads, oven-baked potatoes, sides such as natural cut fries etc.
A total of 86 Wendy’s store locations accept EBT in California.
A few more locations 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.
Conclusion
Finding fast food places that accept EBT for SNAP beneficiaries is a big hurdle. Menchie’s serves a variety of food items however it does not accept EBT payments. This is because the EBT SNAP program focuses mainly on assisting low-income individuals and families with weekly nutritious meal purchases instead of fast food snack items. You can use an alternate source of payment to get food from Menchie’s. However, you can use your EBT card at authorized retail outlets for approved drink and food items that have been mentioned in the above section of the article. Besides, there are many grocery stores and online platforms like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart that accommodate EBT or SNAP payments and provide online delivery services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Menchie’s Accept EBT?
No, unfortunately, Menchie’s does not accept EBT from SNAP beneficiaries as a method of payment. When you visit a Menchie’s store you can pay with credit cards, cash or any other viable source of payment including myMileage points.
What Does My EBT Card Cover?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer card covers necessary food items such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, bread, energy drinks, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, baked goods etc. so that families can feed on them and meet their health and nutritional requirements.