Does Popeyes Take Ebt Or Accept EBT Card Payment? – Being one of the largest chicken restaurant chains in the world with over 2700 locations across the globe, Popeyes has a devoted customer base and is committed to providing high-quality food items to beloved customers. If you are one of Popeyes customers and have enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, then you must be pleased to note that you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at an RMP-approved restaurant. As long as you are situated in the right state with a participating location, you can use your EBT payments to pay for your food at Popeyes. This guide will provide an overview of the most common question from SNAP beneficiaries: “Does Popeyes take EBT”?
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Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Popeyes accepts EBT in 15 specific locations across California
- You can use EBT to purchase most food itemsat these locations.
- The Restaurant Meals Program allows SNAP recipients to buy hot, prepared mealsat authorized restaurants.
What is EBT?
The acronym for EBT is Electronic Benefits Transfer, which helps SNAP recipients pay for their food and groceries from participating retail outlets. The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been designed to assist low-income households with healthy and nutritious food and groceries with the help of the EBT card. The card requires a PIN for making authorized expenses at grocery stores. EBT have replaced paper checks and food stamps and have made it easier and simpler for low-income families and individuals to access government SNAP benefits to cover their food bills.
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Overview of the Restaurant Meals
The limitation of the SNAP EBT card for the purchase of eligible food items that do not cover hot prepared food from restaurants poses a significant barrier for disabled, elderly, and homeless individuals who are unable to cook meals for themselves. This is why the United States Department of Agriculture expanded SNAP benefits through an initiative called the Restaurant Meals Program.
Under the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program, eligible beneficiaries can buy food at EBT-authorized restaurants that accept SNAP benefits as a method of payment. According to the US Department of Agriculture, participating restaurants in America must provide meals to eligible customers at a discounted rate. The objective is to enable SNAP beneficiaries to purchase hot, prepared foods at participating restaurants, something that they are unable to do at participating grocery stores.
Following is the list of states that are participating in this program:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
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What is Popeyes?
A popular fast food restaurant that sells fried chicken to customers is known as Popeye’s. This famous KFC rival was founded in New Orleans, LA, by AI Copeland in 1972. The first Popeyes franchise restaurant started in Baton Rouge, LA, and had nearly 500 outlets in the span of 10 years, with an additional 200 restaurants during its slow expansion.
This multinational fast food restaurant became the third-biggest chicken chain, with 3451 restaurants located in more than 46 states in 30 different countries across the globe. Even though the restaurant initially added only fried chicken, it soon added other side dishes and menu items like gravy and hot sauce packets for dipping fried chicken items. Today, the restaurant is serving more than just fried chicken and is also popular for its red beans and rice bowls, shrimp po’boy sandwiches, salads with your preferred proteins and innovative offerings such as spicy Cajun fries served with honey mustard dipping sauce and many other items.
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Does Popeyes Accept EBT Payments?
Yes, Popeyes accepts EBT payments at specific 15 locations across California. You need to ensure you are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program in order to use your SNAP Benefits at Popeyes and purchase food from the participating location.
The acceptance of EBT is quickly gaining popularity in America. This multinational fast food chain accepts EBT in select California counties to provide the convenience of paying food bills electronically with their EBT card and, in a way, enhance the customer experience.
Not every food chain or restaurant in an RMP-approved state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program and accepts food stamps or EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries, so you must check beforehand about whether the Popeyes store near you accepts EBT before heading to it. While Popeyes have restaurants throughout the United States of America, you can use the EBT card at restaurants only in select California counties.
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What Items Can I Buy At Popeyes With EBT?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is mainly designed for the low income families so that they can afford food at a reasonable rate. Remember that you won’t be able to purchase non-food or merchandise items with your EBT card.
But there is nothing to worry as most of the items that are sold out by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen are food items that are edible and therefore you will be able to buy most of the things. Check out the menu list below that are EBT-eligible.
- Sweet Tea
- Sodas
- Lemonade
- Desserts
- Biscuits
- Coleslaw
- Red Beans
- Rice
- Mashed Potatoes
- Gravies
- Mac & Cheese
- Seafood
- Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Wings
- Chicken Nuggets
- Chicken Sandwiches
- And many more.
Also remember, that the Restaurant Meals Program does not provide you with any extra money and you need to budget accordingly or you might end up starving. So, it is highly recommended to purchase value meals and avoid the expensive ones.
List of Popeyes Locations That Take EBT
As you already know that only 15 locations of Popeyes accept EBT out of 3,705, therefore it can be really hard for you to find out about these 15 locations. Every Popeyes location is needed to be registered independently and therefore only a few locations are approved for SNAP or EBT benefits.
So, before visiting the location you need to double check that the location does accept EBT payments or you will end up paying from your own pocket. To make things easier for you, we have prepared a table with all the addresses of Popeyes locations that take EBT. Check out the table below.
CALIFORNIA popeyes that take ebt near me |
| Location | Address |
LOS ANGELES COUNTY popeyes that take ebt near me |
|
RIVERSIDE COUNTY popeyes that take ebt near me |
|
SAN DIEGO COUNTY popeyes that take ebt near me |
|
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How Do I Find Popeyes Restaurants That Accept EBT Near Me?
There are various fast food restaurants and food chains that accept EBT from SNAP beneficiaries as a method of payment, especially restaurants located in RMP-approved states. This allows you to buy hot, prepared food from restaurants with your food stamp benefits.
To know if a local Popeyes restaurant accepts EBT benefits or not, you can go through the following steps:
- Look For Signage: Look for signage from your participating RMP-approved Popeyes restaurant. A lot of stores have a sign on their windows or doors that states “We welcome EBT cardholders, ” or “Food stamp benefits are accepted here”.
- Call The Restaurant: If you’re not sure whether your local Popeyes restaurant accepts EBT from SNAP beneficiaries or not, you can contact the staff of your local store to learn more details. Besides, you can also contact the customer service number written on the back of your EBT card and get more information about the participating restaurants in your county.
You must remember that every state is not participating in RMP, so you will not find every Popeyes restaurant that accepts payments as it is designed only for the elderly, homeless, and disabled EBT card holders in RMP states.
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Why Doesn’t Every Popeyes Location Accept EBT?
Presently, the SNAP EBT card is accepted as a method of payment in only 15 of the overall 3705 Popeyes store locations across the United States of America. All these locations are located in a few California counties. Following is a list of reasons why every Popeyes location does not accept EBT payments.
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State-by-State Variation
The Restaurant Meals Program is available only in a few states. This allows the elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients to use their food stamp or EBT card to purchase eligible items at EBT-approved restaurants. These include Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Maryland.
Residents of these states can only use their EBT card to purchase meals from participating restaurants. Popeyes has been approved for the EBT RMP program only in a few California counties, so you cannot use your EBT card to make payments in other states.
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Voluntary RMP
The Restaurant Meals Program is a voluntary initiative, and only a few popular store locations participate in the program and accept orders from customers using their EBT cards.
Not all Popeyes franchises or owners are required to join the program and process EBT payments. Food chain restaurants and franchises can individually decide whether they want to participate in the program and accept payments from customers.
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Less Qualifying Location
Even in states that are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, not all Popeyes store locations match the qualifying criteria or participate in the program. While it is easy to find a local Popeyes location near you, it can be a big challenge to find the one that processes EBT payments and participates in the RMP program.
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Administrative Burden
Participating in the Restaurant Meals Program and accepting EBT payments requires complying with SNAP eligibility criteria, and huge paperwork, which makes it difficult or impossible for a lot of Popeyes store locations.
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How To Use EBT At Popeyes?
If you are at Popeyes participating store location, then you can follow the below-mentioned steps to pay for your food with the help of your EBT card.
- Swipe your EBT card to the point of sale terminal or hand your SNAP Benefits card to the cashier.
- Enter the four numbered PIN on the keypad and press enter.
- The cashier will enter the purchase amount, and you have to press the ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ key after confirming the correct amount.
Do not forget to get a copy of the printed receipt that indicates the store name, address, the total amount that you have paid, and the remaining food stamp benefits in your account.
What Are the Acceptable Items That You Can Buy With Your EBT?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has strict guidelines about the type of food that you can purchase using the Electronic Benefits Transfer card from participating stores, food chains, or restaurants. Following is a list of acceptable items that you can buy with your EBT card.
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal, and rice are allowed.
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter are eligible.
- 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.
- Meat, poultry, and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, and lamb.
- 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: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card.
What Are the Items That You Cannot Buy With An EBT Card?
Following is the list of food items that you cannot purchase with EBT.
- 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)
How Do I Check My EBT Card Balance At Popeyes?
SNAP beneficiaries living in the Restaurant Meals Program can check their last printed receipt to note the remaining EBT card balance. The new balance will be printed on the previous ticket that you received at Popeyes. In case your receipt is missing, you can take help from the Popeyes cashier and ask him or her to check the balance at the company’s POS machine.
You can also contact the number written on the back of your card or visit the California Cardholder Portal to check your EBT card balance. In case you lose your card or if it gets stolen, you need to contact customer service at the toll-free number 1-877-328-9677.
Can I Use My EBT For Online Delivery At Popeyes?
No, it is not possible to use your EBT card for online delivery at Popeyes. They provide delivery options throughout the United States of America, Canada, and various other countries across the globe. You can order your favorite Popeyes menu items on the official website or through the app and get them delivered to your doorstep.
You can also specify the time when you want to get the food delivered to your home. Popeyes accept delivery through third-party vendors. Apart from delivery service, the restaurant also provides takeout, drive-thru, and dining options.
Popeyes accepts EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries in select locations in California for only in-store purchases and not for making online orders. You cannot order your fried chicken, salad, or any other items online or through the company’s application through your EBT card.
In such cases, you have to use your unexpired debit card to make the orders or use any other alternative payment method. Popeyes accepts Google Pay, Apple Pay, or any other e-wallet, including cash, credit, and debit cards. For making in-store purchases with your EBT card at an RMP participating Popeyes location, you can make a purchase just like you would with your debit or credit card.
What Are the Working Hours of Popeyes Restaurant?
The beloved fast food chain, Popeyes, is open 24 hours a day. The best news is that the restaurant remains open for 365 days a year. However, their working hours may vary depending on your state of residence. Following are the standard operating hours and services provided by Popeyes.
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM for Sunday
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM for Monday
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM for Tuesday
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM for Wednesday
- 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM for Thursday
- 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM for Friday
- 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM for Saturday.
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Which Other Fast Food Restaurants Accept EBT Cards?
Besides Popeyes, there are numerous restaurants and fast food chains that are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, which enables SNAP beneficiaries to buy hot, prepared meals from their stores. These are as follows:
- Papa Murphy’s
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr
- Pizza Hut
- Dairy Queen
- El Pollo Loco
- Firehouse Subs
- Dominos
- KFC
- Taco Bell to name a few.
Additional Food Nutritional Resources
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Food Banks/ Food Pantries
Those who are unable to find an RMP-participating location or have not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can seek food assistance from their local food banks or food pantries. They operate on a small scale by collaborating with charities, religious institutions, churches, and other faith-based organizations.
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Food Assistance Government Programs
Besides the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, there are various federal initiatives that can help you cover your food bills. These include the Women, Infants, and Children Program, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Food Distribution Programs on Indian reservations, etc.
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School Meals
Low-income individuals can provide nutritious and healthy food to their children when they enroll in the School Nutrition Program, which offers free or discounted lunch and breakfast to children belonging to low-income categories and helps nurture their physical and cognitive development.
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Conclusion
Popeyes is a renowned fast food restaurant that is well known for selling delectable fried chicken items. The food chain accepts EBT as a method of payment in select California counties. Since it is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program and has received authorization from the government to process an EBT card, RMP EBT members can buy a wide array of prepared food from Popeyes. It is critical to note that the RMP program has strict rules, guidelines, and limitations about where it can be used and the type of food that you can purchase, so if you’re relying on EBT benefits for purchasing food, then follow the guidelines accordingly.
Learn more about government assistance programs and grants at the Get Government Grants’ section today. Our resources will help you to find the right type of support based on your needs and requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EBT food or Cash accepted at Popeyes?
Yes there are some locations of Popeyes that accept both EBT Food or Cash. There are 15 locations of Popeyes that take EBT. There are many restaurants in California that have participated in the Restaurant Meals Program and thus they accept EBT cash as well.
Are EBT payments processed at Popeyes?
Yes, EBT payments are processed at Popeyes. But remember that only a few specific locations process EBT or SNAP benefits. You can check out the address list from the above table that has been provided in this article.
Is EBT drive thru accepted by Popeyes?
If you are visiting the above-mentioned locations from the table then you would not face any problem paying with EBT in the drive-thru. But remember you need to physically present at the store to swipe your card.
