Does Raising Cane’s Accept EBT In California – Millions of Americans depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to pay their food bills and alleviate their hunger. The USDA has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program that enables certain beneficiaries to enjoy hot prepared meals apart from necessary food items and groceries at participating locations. Only six states as of now are participating in this program among which California has the most robust and elaborate RMP initiative with many participating restaurants.
A lot of CalFresh recipients who have a Raising Cane’s restaurant near them often wonder whether this fast food chain accepts EBT from SNAP beneficiaries as a method of payment or not. This comprehensive guide will help you cover details about Raising Cane’s policies on accepting EBT and all other fast food places where you can use your food stamp to enjoy flavourful meals.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Only CaliforniaRaising Cane’s in RMP counties accept EBT for hot meals.
- You must meet CalFresh RMP eligibility(elderly, disabled, homeless).
- Check for RMP signageor contact the store to confirm.
- Many other California restaurants accept EBT for hot meals.
What Is The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program? How Can You Qualify?
According to the USDA rules and guidelines, the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program is an initiative to enable certain SNAP beneficiaries who are unable to prepare meals for themselves can purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants with their food stamp benefits.
Only six states– Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and Rhode Island are participating in this initiative while other states are yet to enroll in the program. To be eligible for the SNAP Restaurant Meals program you need to meet any one of the following conditions.
- Be an elderly (at least 60 years or above in age)
- Be disabled and receiving disability or blindness payments or disability retirement payments for a permanent disability
- Be homeless with no permanent nighttime address
- Be a spouse of a SNAP approved individual who is eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
The USDA SNAP RMP requires you to fulfill any of the above-mentioned criteria or else you cannot use your EBT card at participating restaurants for hot prepared meals. However, you are still eligible to use your ENT SNAP benefits at participating grocery stores or retail outlets to purchase cold food or necessary groceries. The RMP program in California started in San Francisco County as a pilot program during the early 2000s and has grown substantially since then. Today there are many RMP-authorized restaurant vendors in 58 California counties
Note: The SNAP EBT benefits may vary from one state to another so it is always a good idea to check with your local and state laws to determine whether the restaurant that you’re considering accepts SNAP or EBT. You should also check with your state guidelines and rules to determine the meals that are covered under the USDA Restaurant Meals Program.
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What Is Raising Cane’s?
Raising Cane’s is a well-known American fast-food restaurant that is popular among customers for its delicious chicken fingers. Founded in Louisiana in 1966 by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey the restaurant has grown significantly over the years and has more than 600 store locations throughout the country. Their menu comprises minimalistic offerings with specialty chicken fingers as their main entry.
The best thing about Raising Cane’s chicken fingers is that they’re made with high-quality and fresh ingredients. The chicken fingers are coated in delicious seasoning underserved with a tangy spicy dipping sauce known as Cane sauce. As of 2023, the restaurant chain has 700+ locations across the globe. Following is the list of areas served by Raising Cane’s.
- United States of America
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Bahrain
The restaurant chain is popular for serving chicken fingers, french fries, Cane sauce, coleslaw, Texas toast and soft drinks. The restaurant chain is currently planning to expand its branches into Europe in 2025.
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Does Raising Cane’s Accept EBT In California?
The fast food restaurant Raising Cane’s specializes in serving chicken finger meals as well as side dishes like coleslaw, deserts, Texas toast, and crinkle-cut fries accepted only in select locations in California. There are more than 500 Raising Cane’s restaurants throughout the country.
If you’re living in a non RMP- approved state then you have to use an alternate source of payment to enjoy meals at Raising Cane’s.
Before eating at your nearby Raising Cane’s restaurant you need to contact the local store and ensure they accept EBT to avoid the guesswork and embarrassment.
It is also important to note that you can use your EBT only for in-store meal purchases at Raising Cane’s in California and not for online orders. The USDA has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Online Purchasing Pilot Program that enables SNAP recipients to order food and groceries from major retailers like Walmart, Target, DoorDash, and Instacart but this does not apply to fast food restaurants like Raising Cane’s.
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What Can I Purchase With My EBT Card At Raising Cane’s?
The American fast-food restaurant Raising Cane’s specializes in serving chicken fingers and accepts EBT in certain California locations. Let’s take a look at the following menu that can be covered with your EBT card at authorized California counties.
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Chicken sandwich
- Kids combo
- Box combo
- The maniac combo
- The three-finger combo
- The sandwich combo
- Chicken fingers served with cane sauce
- Sandwich
- Texas toast
- Desserts
- Coleslaw
- Coleslaw
- Beverages including lemonade, sweet tea, and sweet tea, fountain drink, jug lemonade, jug sweet tea, jug unsweet tea etcetera.
Raising Cane’s Menu Prices
- Box Combo comprising 4 chicken fingers, Cane sauce, coleslaw, fountain drink or tea, crinkle cut rice and Texas toast for $10.99.
- Three Finger Combo comprising three chicken fingers, cane sauce, crinkle cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast and fountain drink or tea for $9.23.
- Caniac Combo comprising 6 chicken fingers, cane sauce, crinkle cut fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, fountain drink or tea for $15.99.
- Sandwich combo comprising 3 chicken fingers, toasted bun, lettuce, cane sauce, twinkle cut fries, fountain drink or tea at the cost of $9.79.
- Kids combo comprising 2 chicken fingers, 1 cane sauce, crinkle cut fries, fountain drink or milk or apple juice for $6.33.
- Raising Cane’s and tailgates that range up to $8 depending on your choice.
- Raising Cane’s extra fries costs $1.81.
- Raising Cane’s extra crinkle cut fries cost $2.26
- Raising Cane’s extra canes sauce costs $0.39.
- Raising Cane’s extra Texas toast costing $1.36.
- Raising Cane’s extra coleslaw costing $1.36.
- Raising Cane’s extra sandwich costing $7.49.
- Raising Cane’s drink cause ranges between $1.19 to $10.79.
Raising Cane’s also provides 10% military discounts at all its participating stores. They also provide free membership to the Caniac club which is exclusive in the United States. The Caniac Club is a benefits program for members that gives them exclusive deals and freebies.
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Which California Counties Are Participating In the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program?
CalFresh recipients who meet the eligibility criteria of the USDA RMP program can use both their food and cash benefits to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants or food chains. Presently CalFresh RMPs are active in the following California counties.
- Los Angeles County
- Mariposa County
- Madeira county
- Alameda County
- Kern County
- Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz County
- Siskiyou County
- Fresno County
- Monterey County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Luis Obispo County
- Tehama County
- Ventura County
- Sacramento County
- San Bernardino
- San Diego County
- San Francisco County
- Santa Mateo
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What Are The CalFresh EBT Acceptable Items?
CalFresh recipients can cover the following items with their food stamp or EBT card.
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed
- 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.
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card if they are labeled as Nutrition Facts.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
- 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. 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.
The only exception to this rule is the Restaurant Meals Program available in select states throughout the country that enables EBT recipients to use their food stamp benefits at participating restaurants.
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What Items Can’t You Purchase With Your CalFresh EBT Benefits?
The following is the list of items that you cannot cover with your CalFresh EBT benefits as per USDA guidelines.
- Non-food items like pet foods
- Drugs, vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Dry ice
- Fuel pumps
- Diapers
- Alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine, and beer
- Prepared hot food
- Cigarette and tobacco-containing products
- Shampoo
- Live animals except (fish and shellfish)
- Gas
- Clothing
- Hygiene and sanitary products
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Paper products
As per USDA guidelines EBT or SNAP credits are applied to the purchase of approved food items and groceries only. Violating USDA guidelines may lead to suspension or permanent termination of EBT SNAP benefits.
Following are the consequences that you may face for your SNAP-unapproved purchases.
- Three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase
- One-year ban for the next unapproved SNAP purchase
- Two-year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.
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How Can I Find Out If A Restaurant Is Participating In The Restaurant Meals Program?
You can use any of the below-mentioned methods to find an approved fast food restaurant in California near you.
- Look for a CalFresh RMP sign in a store. All the participating restaurants in the state of California display signs on their windows or doors
- Refer to the list of CalFresh-approved restaurants or fast food chains as per county basis that is issued by the California Department of Social Services. The department updates the list quarterly
- Use EBT Map Finder to find nearby restaurants or fast food chains that accept food stamps or EBT. You can type the address on the search tab or choose the location on the map. You can also use filters such as cash, food, and restaurants to narrow down your search results.
- Contact your local county office and ask for a list of participating restaurants or food chains enrolled in the CalFresh RMP program in your local area.
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How Can I Check My CalFresh EBT Account Balance?
One of the best and most effective ways to keep a record of your CalFresh EBT account balance is to check the receipt of your last purchase. Alternatively, you can also find the EBT balance by following any of the below-mentioned methods:
- Dial 1-877-328-9677 to contact the best customer service number. This is a free 24/ 7 service available in 10 languages including Spanish, English, Farsi and Chinese.
- Check your EBT cash account balance at any POS machine on an ATM. If you choose to check the balance for nature you need to pay a surcharge of $0.25 fee
- You can visit the EBT client website to check your EBT food benefits or cash benefits account balance
- You can check your EBT food benefit account balance at any POS machine but not at an ATM.
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How To Use Your EBT Card At Raising Cane’s?
Navigating the process of using your CalFresh EBT benefits at the authorized restaurant is an easier and simpler process than you may assume. Here is the step-by-step guide to ensure you get a hassle-free and smooth experience while purchasing fast food at the Raising Cane’s in California.
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Confirm Your CalFresh RMP Eligibility
The first and foremost step before heading to Raising Cane’s or any other RMP participating restaurant is to ensure your state is enrolled in the CalFresh RMP initiative and you can meet the criteria for instance disabled, elderly or homeless.
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Locate Participating RMP Approved Raising Cane’s
As you know not all Raising Cane’s restaurants in America accept EBT cards so you must locate participating restaurants that take EBT cards. You can look for signs at the door or window that state “EBT card holders are accepted” or “We accept EBT cards”.
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Order Your Meal
CalFresh recipients can look for SNAP EBT eligible signs on the menu as well or enquire the cashier about the meals that they can cover with their EBT card. In many RMP-approved restaurants, they can get special or discounted meals for being EBT recipients
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Swipe Your EBT Card To Pay For The Order
When it comes to paying for your food at Raising Cane’s, simply swipe your EBT card just like you use any other debit card and enter your PIN. Collect the receipt so you can know your remaining balance on your SNAP EBT account.
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List Of Alternate Restaurants In California That Accept EBT Payments
Carl’s Jr.
A fast-food restaurant that accepts EBT in certain locations is Carl’s Jr. Nearly 208 Carl’s Jr locations accept SNAP benefits. The restaurant has a focus on sandwiches and charbroiled burgers and offers a wide array of food options for SNAP recipients. Their menu typically comprises different burger creations, salads, salads and chicken items.
Denny’s
Denny’s is a family-friendly dinner chain restaurant Denny’s provides 24/ 7 service with an extensive breakfast menu. They provide breakfast classics such as omelets, pancakes, and breakfast skillets along with burgers, dinner entrees and sandwiches. There are 49 Denny’s locations that accept EBT.
Burger King
Burger King is one of the popular hamburger fast food chains that is accepting EBT in select locations. The chain is popular for serving flame-grilled burgers along with a variety of options at affordable rates. Nearly 112 Burger King locations in Maryland, California and Arizona accept EBT benefits.
Domino’s Pizza
The second most popular pizza chain Domino’s Pizza accepts EBT payments and provides a convenient option for food stamp recipients to enjoy a wide variety of pizzas, beverages and sides with the help of SNAP benefits. Their pizzas are popular for their generous topics and delicious taste.
EL Pollo Loco
The fast food chain El Pollo Loco specializes in serving flame-grilled chicken along with a variety of menu options including chicken for instance grilled chicken, burritos, bowls and tacos. The food chain is accepting EBT and provides flavourful and affordable options for those who rely on food stamp benefits. Nearly 249 El Pollo Loco restaurants are accepting food stamp benefits.
Jack-In-The-Box
Jack-In-The-box is a well-known fast food restaurant that offers diverse menu options for customers to choose from. Their strength lies in the variety of food options that comprises chicken, burgers, tacos, breakfast items and salads. Nearly 588 Jack-In-The-box fast food chains are accepting EBT benefits.
KFC
The acronym KFC stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken and is a well-known fast food chain that takes EBT or food stamps as a method of payment. 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.
Papa Murphy’s
The take-and-bake pizza chain Papa Murphy’s accepts food stamps or EBT payments. Customers can choose from a variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients and toppings to customize their pizzas and bake at home. Almost all Papa Murphy locations are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries.
Popeyes
The fast food chain Popeye’s specializes in serving Louisiana-style fried chicken along with seafood. The restaurant is popular for its crispy and flavorful chicken and signature sides such as rice and red beans. Their menu also features sandwiches, seafood dishes and tenders.
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.
Pizza Hut
The most loved pizza chain restaurant Pizza Hut accepts EBT payments in select locations and provides a wide array of pizzas including specialty and classic options. The strength of the restaurant lies in its extensive menu which enables customers to choose their toppings, flavors and crust types. These also offer wings, pasta, desserts and many other items to cater to all customers. Around 227 restaurants of Pizza Hut accept EBT.
Subway
Subway accepts EBT payments and provides subs, wraps, salads and many other dishes for customers to choose from. The strength of the restaurant lies in its freshly baked bread and you can choose from a variety of meats or vegetables and sauces. Nearly 709 subway locations are accepting EBT in RMP-approved states.
Taco Bell
The fast food chain Taco Bell specializes in serving Mexican-inspired cuisine. They accept food stamp or EBT payments and provide an affordable option for those on SNAP or food stamps. The strength of the restaurant lies in its diverse menu that features burritos, tacos, quesadillas, Tex Mex favorites etc. You can get customizable and vegetarian options as well.
Del Taco
A fast food restaurant that is accepting EBT in specific locations that have authorization Is Del Taco. The restaurant is popular for its Mexican-inspired dishes with American classics. From burritos and tacos to fries and burgers families and individuals enjoy amazing flavors and cover the cost with the EBT benefits. Nearly 141 Del Taco restaurants are accepting EBT.
McDonald’s
One of the world’s popular fast food chains that is popular for its Quarter Pounder, Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets is McDonald’s. The restaurant provides a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers and breakfast items.
McDonald’s even serves salads, and fries with its commitment to provide convenience and consistency and this has made it a global fast food giant. Nearly 194 McDonald’s restaurants are accepting EBT.
A few more RMP-approved restaurants are as follows:
- La Pizza Loca
- Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
- Pizzaman Dan’s
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Primo Burger
- DOUBLE
- Everytable
- Fatburger
- Frosty King
- Giant Pizza King
- Sombrero
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Tom’s Jr. Burgers
- Vallarta Supermarket
- Waba Grill
- Wienerschnitzel
- Wingstop
- Yoshinoya.
Learn more about the restaurants that accept EBT in California in our next guide: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In California?
What Other Payments Are Accepted At Raising Cane’s?
Customers at Raising Cane’s can pay for their meals and chicken fingers through various other payment sources outside EBT. This includes the following options.
- Raising Cane’s gift card
- Cash
- MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express
- E-Wallets like Google Pay.
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Conclusion
Raising Cane’s is participating in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program that enables Californians to use their food stamp in select locations. However before heading to a local Raising Cane’s restaurant make sure the store accepts EBT and is enrolled in the RMP initiative. Finding fast food places that accept food in California is a big hurdle. We have made the task much more comfortable and easier by providing you a comprehensive list of restaurants that accept EBT in California. Refer to the aforementioned section of the article to learn the list of places as well as locations where you can use your EBT benefits.
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