Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is one of the largest hunger assistance programs in the United States of America. In most states, the initiative enables beneficiaries to use their EBT card to purchase groceries or food items for preparation at home. However, under the Restaurant Meals Program, a few states allow SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals at approved restaurants.
It is helpful to know the different fast food chains that accept EBT so that you can plan your meals accordingly and make the best use of your SNAP benefits. In this guide, we have covered the list of fast food restaurants that accept EBT in participating states along with information about how the Restaurant Meals Program works.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Not all states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), allowing EBT purchases at restaurants.
- Participating states include Arizona, California, Illinois (limited counties), Maryland (limited restaurants), Massachusetts (limited cities), Michigan (limited restaurants), Rhode Island, and Virginia (limited counties).
- Eligibility for using EBT at restaurants is restricted to elderly, homeless, or disabled individuals.
- Popular chains like Burger King, McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Subway may accept EBT in some locations within RMP states.
- Always confirm EBT acceptance and eligible food items before placing your order.
Understanding The Restaurant Meals Program And The Eligibility Criteria
Electronic Benefits Transfer is a way for the government to distribute benefits from different programs like SNAP and TANF. To qualify for EBT candidates have to meet certain income, citizenship and financial criteria established by the state Department of Human Services. The SNAP is one of the most popular EBT initiatives that provides food benefits to low-income families.
While SNAP benefits are generally intended for grocery store purchases, a lot of fast food establishments participate in the Restaurant Meals Program that enables EBT cardholders to use SNAP benefits for restaurant meals. Only a few states like Arizona, California, Michigan, Maryland, Illinois and Rhode Island are participating in the initiative. In a nutshell, the Restaurant Meals Program is an extension of SNAP benefits for elderly, homeless and disabled recipients so that they can enjoy prepared meals at restaurants.
Eligibility Criteria For The Restaurant Meals Program
Not everyone can purchase or prepare meals with an EBT card. The eligibility criteria to purchase restaurant meals with an EBT card are as follows:
- Be an elderly (60 years or above)
- Be homeless with no permanent nighttime address
- Be disabled and receive government disability benefits
- Be the spouse of a SNAP recipient eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
Read about the different fast-food restaurants in Kentucky that are EBT-friendly in our next guide.
What Fast Food Places Take EBT?
SNAP recipients usually think they can use their EBT card at traditional grocery stores or convenience markets but they can also use their food stamp benefits card at various restaurants and fast food locations including a few drug stores like Walgreens. While most fast food restaurants accept SNAP payments, not all locations are participating in this program. Moreover, the type of food that is eligible for EBT purchase may vary depending on restaurant policies and local regulations.
In the below section of the article, we have covered the list of restaurants that are accepting EBT payments.
Burger King
Burger King is the second largest hamburger chain in America next to McDonald’s. There are 18,700 locations in more than 100 countries. Burger King accepts food stamps in Arizona and California. The most iconic Burger King menu item comprises a Whopper. You can also find sides like onion rings, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks and chicken fries.
McDonald’s
The most well-known and largest fast food chain that has 13,000 locations throughout America is McDonald’s. You can enjoy burgers and various other tasty dishes from this restaurant. The McDonald’s menu comprises American fast food classes like the iconic Big Mac burger, fries, chicken nuggets, fries, desserts, salads, breakfast items, burgers and so on. Nearly 194 McDonald’s store locations accept EBT across California, Arizona and Michigan.
Domino’s Pizza
Originally known as DomNick’s and rebranded as Domino’s in 1965 Domino’s today is one of the most popular fast food restaurants in America. There are 14,400 Domino’s restaurants in more than 85 countries. Domino’s is accepting EBT cards or food stamps in 60 California locations. You can enjoy a wide variety of menus starting from Classic pepperoni, specialty pizza, pasta, chicken wings and side dishes.
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. has been serving customers since 1941 and has 1000 locations throughout the country and other 28 countries. The restaurant chain is popular for serving charbroiled hamburgers and has a thousand locations in Southwest and Western areas of the United States. This popular fast-food chain serves a variety of sandwiches, burgers and sides. Presently Carl’s Jr is accepting EBT in a few Arizona and California counties.
Denny’s
One of the most famous breakfast chains in America with 1500 store locations in 49 states is Denny’s. The chain is popular for serving breakfast options along with classic American food like burgers, sandwiches, and homestyle dinners. Around 50 Denny’s restaurants are accepting EBT by enrolling in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals program.
EL Pollo Loco
El Pollo loco is an amazing choice among Americans since it provides healthier fast food choices, unlike those stores. The chain serves fire-grilled chicken, family dinners with chicken and sides like beans, broccoli and rice. They also serve burritos, chicken tacos, and nachos. Nearly 220 EL Pollo Loco stores are accepting EBT as a method of payment through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.
Del Taco
The fast food restaurant combines Mexican and American flavors and specializes in serving tacos, burritos, classic Del Combo and quesadillas. If you want to enjoy burgers, fries and various other Mexican-inspired dishes with your EBT card. You must make sure you’re sitting in California and enrolled in the CalFresh RMP program. Around 140 Del Taco locations in California accept EBT payments.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is one more beloved pizza chain in America with 4000 + locations throughout the Country. The restaurant chain was founded by a couple named Mike and Marian. Only a few locations in California located in San Diego accept SNAP or EBT benefits. Little Caesars menu comprises a variety of chicken items. The menu items feature a variety of pizzas in flavors like cheese, pepperoni, ultimate supreme, 5 meat feast, Hula Hawaiian and veggie.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s is a renowned pizza delivery and takeout chain that is known for its commitment to offering delicious pizza with quality ingredients. The restaurant chain provides a diverse menu of pizza styles like pepperoni pizza, and specialty pizza to cater to all customers. What sets this restaurant chain apart from others is its emphasis on delivering a superior pizza experience. Papa John’s accepts EBT in California.
Subway
Subway is a popular fast food chain that is famous for its foot-long sandwiches with nearly 37,000 restaurants situated in a hundred countries. This fast food chain is accepting EBT cards as a method of payment in Arizona, Rhode Island and California. The fast food chain is popular for its customizable sandwiches, salads and wraps. Subway enables participants to enjoy their meals using the Restaurant Meals Program. Nearly 700 Subway locations accept EBT in RMP-approved states.
KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC accepts EBT cards for hot meal purchases in states that are enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program. The fast food chain is popular for its delicious fried chicken and accepts EBT as a method of payment in select locations including Arizona and California. Illinois, Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island provide this program only in certain counties or cities. Nearly 140 KFC store locations in Arizona and California accept EBT payments.
Jack-In-The-Box
Jack-In-The-box is a popular fast-food restaurant that serves tacos, breakfast options, sandwiches, chicken and many other choices to cater to all customers. 580 Jack-In-The-box store locations in California and Arizona accept EBT payments. The restaurant chain has 2000 store locations in 21 states. Some of the unique menu items include the Jumbo Egg Roll and Tiny Tacos.
Wendy’s
A fast food chain that has earned a reputation for offering square-shaped burgers with fresh never-frozen beef and frosties 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. Wendy’s has 6000 locations in all fifty U.S. states. The best burger of Windies is the Baconator and chicken Nuggets as the classic option.
Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s is a unique pizza chain that is known for serving baked and steak pizza and customers can also customize their pizza and take it home to bake at their convenience. The restaurant chain has a thousand locations in nearly 37 U.S. states. In almost all store locations Papa Murphy’s accepts food stamps from SNAP recipients. Some of the popular menu items from Papa Murphy’s include cheese, pepperoni, chicken garlic, Hawaiian and chicken bacon artichoke.
Pizza Hut
One of the largest and most renowned pizza chains in America with 6000 + locations is Pizza Hut. You can find various toppings here including deserts, pasta and beans. Nearly 227 Pizza Hut restaurants in Arizona and California accept EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries. Pizza Hut’s menu comprises classic pizza flavors like cheese, pepperoni, veggie lovers, meat lovers, Hawaiian chicken, Buffalo chicken etc. You can also create your own pizza and choose your preferred crust, size and toppings.
Taco Bell
One of the best Mexican fast food chains that has 7000 store locations throughout America’s Taco Bell. Taco Bell serves Mexican-inspired dishes along with classic burritos, tacos, naturals and quesadillas. 25 Taco Bell locations in America accept EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries. The restaurant chain has more than 7000 locations in America however select locations in Arizona and California accept EBT cards. A few other iconic items on Taco Bell’s menu are the Nacho cheese, Doritos, Locos, Taco and Crunchwrap Supreme.
Church’s Chicken
Church’s Chicken is another American fast food restaurant that serves fried chicken along with a variety of sites like jalapenos and honey butter biscuits. The fast food chain accepts EBT payments in 12 Arizona locations. The beloved fast-food chain serves mouth watering fried chicken and homestyle Southern-inspired dishes. You can also find sites like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and biscuits that are prepared with signature Southern flair.
Charley’s Philly Steak And Wings
A well-established fast-food chain that is popular among Americans for its mouth-watering and delectable offerings is Charley’s Philly Steak and Wings. Only a few restaurants accept EBT in California. The restaurant serves iconic sandwiches and delightful meals for wings enthusiasts. You can also find gourmet fries, loaded baked potatoes and mouth-watering fast food.
Baja Fresh
The popular fast-casual restaurant chain Baja Fresh is known for serving delicious Mexican cuisine that is filled with mouthwatering options like burritos, tacos, salads and dealers. Baja Fresh stands out from other fast food chains due to its commitment to using locally sourced high-quality ingredients to create authentic Mexican food. The restaurant chain satisfies every craving with their salsas, fresh guacamole and perfectly grilled meat.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is an iconic and cherished fast food chain that is accepting SNAP benefits through the RMP program. Even though the chain is known for serving soft-serve ice cream treats like blizzards and dilly bars. They also serve burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, sweet treats, chicken strips burgers, classic fast food and frozen desserts. Dairy Queen accepts EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries in select Arizona locations.
Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken
The popular fast food establishment Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken is popular for its mouth-watering fried chicken. A dozen of Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken store locations in California accept EBT payments from beneficiaries. From chicken pieces to crispy wings the fast food chain offers a wide array of choices for customers to satisfy their fried chicken cravings.
Popeyes
Popeyes is a beloved fried chicken chain that opened fifty years ago in Louisiana and has spread to other parts of the world. If you are fond of spicy fried chicken then you would love side dishes at Popeyes. The restaurant accepts EBT in Arizona and California. The chain also accepts EBT in select counties and cities in Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island.
Rally’s Hamburger
Rally’s Hamburger is a popular fast-food chain that specializes in fries, milkshakes and burgers. The restaurant chain operates 300+ locations throughout the United States of America however only a select location is accepting EBT benefits. The restaurant chain is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program only in Arizona and California counties. Some of the popular menu items include burgers and famous seasoned fries.
Starbucks
Even though Starbucks is not RMP-enrolled, a few of its locations are present within grocery stores like Walmart or Target accept EBT from SNAP recipients. As per Starbucks customer service representative “Starbucks does not accept food stamp cards for payment at its company-operated stores however some of our licenses particularly those within grocery stores accept EBT payments”.
Tam’s Burger
The beloved fast-food establishment Tam’s Burger is known for serving classic American comfort food along with a satisfying dining experience to those looking for hurting and familiar dishes. Their menu comprises a wide array of cheeseburgers, classic burgers, savory sandwiches, and indulgent breakfast items that can fulfill your cravings.
The Habit Burger Grill
The popular fast-casual restaurant chain Habit Burger Grill is well known for its commitment to providing charbroiled burgers. The restaurant chain provides flavorful food and quality dishes and even participates in RMP so that they can serve satisfying and delicious meals to all customers. Around 12 locations of The Habit Burger Grill are participating in CalFresh RMP, and all are located in Riverside County.
Waba Grill
The popular fast-casual restaurant chain Waba Grill is popular for its commitment to providing healthy and fresh grilled meals. The fast food restaurant is the go-to choice for a lot of people who are seeking a delicious and nutritious dining option. Their menu also comprises grilled options like steak and chicken plates, tofu bowls, fresh vegetables, signature sauces and so on. 15 Waba Grill restaurants in California accept EBT, and most of them are located in Orange County.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
The fast food chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is known for zesty fried chicken and has done specialization in Louisiana-inspired cuisine. The menu item of this fast food chain comprises spicy chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken tenders, Cajun-style sides like beans and rice along with mouth-watering biscuits. Remarkably 74 Popeyes fast food restaurants in California accept EBT payments. The restaurant is popular for its unique flavors as well as southern-inspired dishes.
Wingstop
Known for serving delicious chicken wings, Wingstop is a part of CalFresh RPM that provides classic buffalo-flavored wings and sweet and tangy BBQ. The chicken wings are not only customizable but also crispy and flavorful. There are approximately 50 Wingstop restaurants in California that accept EBT benefits.
Wienerschnitzel
Wienerschnitzel is another fast food chain that is well known among Americans for its delicious hot dogs and fast food classics. Their menu features a wide variety of hot dogs for instance speciality options, chili dogs, and fast food staples like chicken sandwiches, burgers, crispy fries and so on. You can get a flavourful, comfortable and satisfying dining experience from this fast-food restaurant. The restaurant chain accepts EBT in most California store locations.
Yoshinoya
Yoshino is a famous fast food chain that stands out from other fast food chains for its Japanese-inspired cuisine, particularly the signature beef bowl called Gyudon. Their menu comprises a wide assortment of rice bowls that feature thinly sliced beef, generously drizzled savory sauce, chicken or seafood and steamed rice. Remarkably this fast food chain effectiveness in California in 82 locations.
Hungry Howie’s
The popular pizza delivery and takeout chain Hungry Howie’s accepts EBT as a method of payment only in select Arizona counties. With specialty pieces and a variety of toppings, the restaurant caters to pizza lovers looking for something different to taste. You can get a wide array of pizza options to choose from and pay with your EBT for living in a participating store location.
Firehouse Subs
The well-established sub sandwich chain Firehouse Subs is popular for serving flavorful and healthy subs to customers. Their menu items comprise a wide array of sub-creations that are made with good quality ingredients and served steaming hot. A lot of Firehouse Subs locations in Arizona accept EBT payments from SNAP recipients.
Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice is a well-known establishment that makes juices, and smoothies made from blended fruits and vegetables. The smoothie restaurant is popular for its fast food that is delectable, and healthy. It is one of the top smoothie chains where you can get prepared food that is rich in protein, fresh juices and smoothies. With 6000 locations throughout the country, Jamba Juice is accepting EBT only in a few California counties.
How To Use Your EBT Card At Fast Food Places?
Swiping your EBT card at authorized fast food restaurants or places that accept EBT is a simple process. In the below section, we have given a step-by-step guide to make this one of the most convenient and easy options.
- The first and foremost step is to identify the fast food places that accept EBT in your state. Before heading to the restaurant make sure they accept EBT payments. You can also look for signage near the entrance or at the cashier’s counter
- Once you confirm that the particular restaurant is accepting, you can approach the counter or drive through to place your order. Simply swipe your EBT card and enter your 4 digit PIN to authorize the payment
- Make sure the items that you have selected are eligible for EBT payment. Generally prepared meals are EBT-eligible whereas non-food items like tobacco or alcohol are not. Once you complete the transaction you will get your food just like any other customer.
State-Specific Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT or Food Stamps
Arizona
Most of the fast food restaurants accept EBT in Arizona. You can read our next guide about fast food restaurants in Arizona that accept EBT to get a complete list of fast food chains and restaurants with their specific locations.
California
California has the most robust and elaborate RMP-approved restaurant and a lot of fast food locations are participating in RMP and accepting EBT here.
The participating counties in California are Alameda County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, Sacramento County, San Diego County, San Francisco County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Clara County, and Santa Cruz County.
You can read our next guide to learn the list of fast-food chains that accept EBT in California.
Illinois
Illinois is now accepting applications for restaurants to participate in RMP and soon will be rolling out the RMP to SNAP recipients within the coming months. We will update the post once a list of participating fast-food restaurants or locations gets released. The participating locations now are Dewitt County or Cook County with the following zip codes 60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617.
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Human Services has been approved for RMP for EBT card holders. The state is now accepting applications for restaurants to participate in the program. There is only one restaurant that accepts EBT- 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant. We will update the list as soon as all the information becomes available.
Massachusetts
Presently 27 restaurants or fast food locations in Massachusetts have been RMP enrolled in 17 communities. The participating cities are Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Fall River, Greenfield, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Mattapan, Revere, Roslindale, Springfield, and Worcester. Find the participating restaurants and locations here.
Michigan
Michigan announced its decision to enroll in RMP in December 2020. Few restaurants in Michigan that accept EBT are:
- McDonald’s
- Ray’s Pizza and Chicken
- Sheeba Express
- Just Munchies
- Wing Heaven Sports Haven
- Dee’s Pizza Pad
- Siraj Cuisine
- Sally’s Whatta Pizza
- Holy Cow! Creamery
- Emma’s Coffee House
- Breadless
- Burton Village BBQ Company
- Foundry Bakehouse and Deli
We will update the post as soon as more information about the Michigan restaurants that accept EBT becomes available. To know more details click here.
Rhode Island
Only Subway and Federal Hill Pizza in Rhode Island are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program in select cities and accept EBT in Rhode Island.
Participating counties: Statewide
New York
New York has enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program in October 2021 and is accepting applications currently from fast food restaurants for the program. Once the program gets launched officially we will update the post with all the participating restaurants and locations.
Conclusion
A lot of popular fast food restaurants including Subway, Burger King, McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut accept EBT but only at participating locations in states enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program. Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia enable EBT recipients to use their SNAP benefits at select restaurants provided they are elderly, homeless or disabled. To participate in the RMP fast food restaurants have to receive approval from the government individually. Read the aforementioned resources to know where you can use your EBT card.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding fast-food chains that accept 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 use my EBT card at fast food restaurants?
Yes, but only in select states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and at approved locations. These states include Arizona, California, Illinois (limited counties), Maryland (limited restaurants), Massachusetts (limited cities), Michigan (limited restaurants), Rhode Island, and Virginia (limited counties). Eligibility is restricted to elderly, homeless, or disabled SNAP recipients.
What Fast Food Chains Accepting EBT in Participating States?
While a comprehensive list isn’t included here due to constant changes, some popular chains that may accept EBT in RMP states include:
- Burger King (Arizona, California)
- McDonald’s (Arizona, California, Michigan)
- Domino’s (California)
- Carl’s Jr. (Arizona, California)
- Subway (Arizona, California, Rhode Island)
- KFC (Arizona, California, select counties in Illinois, Maryland, Virginia)
- Pizza Hut (Arizona, California)
- Taco Bell (Arizona, California)
- Popeyes (Arizona, California, select counties in Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island)