Fast Food Restaurants Accept EBT In California 2024

Fast Food Places Or Restaurants Accept EBT In California – California SNAP recipients with qualifying conditions can use their EBT card at select fast-food restaurants for hot meals through the Restaurant Meals Program. Food is a basic need for everyone and individuals who have signed up for the California EBT would most likely know that they can use the card for paying necessary food and groceries at select retail outlets. However, a lot of fast food restaurants even accept SNAP or EBT benefits as a part of the CalFresh Restaurant Meals program.

Fast food establishments in California are addressing the needs of low-income families so that they can access practical and affordable food options and are working to broaden their list of payment methods by including SNAP or EBT benefits. This guide will highlight the list of fast food restaurants in California that ensures low-income households need not choose between taste and affordability and can enjoy affordable and quick dining options using an EBT card.

Highlights of this Post

Key Takeaways

Limited participation:Only specific restaurants in California accept EBT for hot meals via the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Eligibility required:You must be elderly, homeless, or disabled to use EBT for restaurant meals.
County variations:Participating restaurants vary by county. Check your EBT Cardholder Portal for details.
Popular chains accepted:Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell (limited locations), Wendy’s.

Interested in knowing: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answer in our next guide.

Overview Of The Restaurant Meals Program In California

A special part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that enables certain groups of EBT users to buy hot prepared meals with their food stamp benefits card is known as the Restaurant Meals Program.

However, not every state is participating in this program as the snap leaves it on individual states to decide if they want to implement RMP for their residents. California enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program in early 2000 that started in San Francisco County and has now spread to various other parts of the state. The program was expanded in 2021 and this is the reason why California is one of the most elaborate and robust RMP-approved states in the country.

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Who Can Purchase Restaurant Meals In California With Their EBT Card?

It is important to note that not everyone can purchase restaurant meals with their EBT card as the CalFresh Restaurant Meals initiative works only for individuals who are elderly, homeless or disabled.

This is because the aim of the program is to help SNAP recipients who are unable to prepare their own meals at home due to their old age, disability or lack of proper housing or a stable kitchen. The eligibility criteria to purchase restaurant meals in California with an EBT card are as follows:

Be aged 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

Which California Locations Accept EBT Near Me?

There are many other RMP-approved restaurants and food chains that accept EBT cards or food stamp benefits. The following is the list of counties in California that are participating in CalFresh RMP and are accepting EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries.

Alameda County: Nearly 25 restaurants accept EBT in this county including Burger King Carl’s Jr, Jack-in-the-box, Subway etc.
Butte County: Only 2 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen accept EBT in this county.
Contra Costa County: Around 4 restaurants in this county accept EBT including Subway, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
Fresno County: Over 19 restaurants accept EBT in this county including Burger King, Denny’s, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen etc.
Glenn County: Only one Subway restaurant is participating in RMP in this county
Imperial County: Around 6 restaurants accept EBT in this county including EL Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s etc.
Kern County: 38 restaurants in this county including Burger King, Denny’s, EL Pollo Loco, McDonald’s, Papa John’s, Subway etc.
Kings County: Only 2 locations in this county accept SNAP benefits including Burger King and Rally’s Hamburgers.
Los Angeles County: Around 1500 fast food restaurants accept EBT in Los Angeles including Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Del Taco, Denny’s, Domino’s Pizza etc
Madera County: 14 restaurants accept EBT in this county including Denny’s, jack-in-the-box, subway
Marin County: Only 1 restaurant is accepting SNAP benefits that is Subway in San Rafael.
Mariposa County: Only 1 Burger King restaurant accept EBT transactions in this county in Mariposa
Merced County: Around 3 restaurants accept SNAP, that is Raley’s Hamburgers, Subway and Montero’s Bakery.
Napa County: Only 1 restaurant EL Pollo Loco in Napa accepts EBT in this county
Nevada County: One restaurant accepts SNAP transactions that is McDonald’s.
Orange County: Nearly 319 restaurants accept EBT in this county including Burger King, Carl’s Junior, Del Taco, Dennis, Domino’s Pizza etc.
Redlands County: Only 2 Domino’s Pizza restaurants accept EBT in this county.
Riverside County: Around 323 restaurants accept EBT including Burger King, Del Taco, Denny’s, Domino’s Pizza etc.
Sacramento County. Over 100 restaurants in this county are accepting EBT including Burger King, Carl’s Jr, El Pollo Loco, Jack-in-the-box, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway etc.
San Bernardino County: This county has more than 40 restaurants that accept EBT including Carl’s Jr, Denny’s, Domino’s Pizza, El Pollo Loco etc.
San Diego County: There are more than 500 restaurants that accept EBT in this county including Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Jack-in-the-box etc.
San Francisco County: Nearly 42 restaurants are accepting SNAP benefits in this county including Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Subway, etc.
San Joaquin County: Nearly 34 restaurants accept EBT here including Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Del Taco, Papa John’s, Subway etc.
San Luis Obispo County: Around 9 restaurants accept EBT in this county including Burger King, Denny’s, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.
San Mateo County: Only 3 restaurants accept EBT here including Jack-in-the-box and Amausaan Uji Matcha.
Santa Barbara County: Around 14 restaurants accept EBT in this county including El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, Subway, Wendy’s.
Santa Clara County: This county has 66 restaurants that accept EBT including El Pollo Loco.
Santa Cruz County: Only 9 restaurant accept EBT here including the El Pollo Loco, Subway and Togo’s
Shasta County: 14 restaurants accept EBT payments here including Cajun, Subway and Taco shop.
Solano County: 9 restaurants including El Pollo Loco, Jack-in-the-box, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Subway.
Sonoma County: Only 4 restaurants in this county including El Pollo Loco
Stanislaus County: Around 7 restaurants accept EBT including Del Taco, Subway, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
Sutter County: 2 restaurants accept EBT in this county including El Pollo Loco and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Tehama County: Only 4 subway stores location accept EBT in this county
Tulare County: Only 16 restaurants accept EBT including Burger King, Denny’s, Del Taco, Subway etc.
Ventura County: Nearly 86 restaurants accept EBT in this county including Denny’s, Domino’s Pizza, Jack-in-the-box, McDonald’s Pizza Hut.
Yolo County: Only two restaurants accept EBT in this county and all are in Subway locations.

SNAP recipients also wonder: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?

Why Doesn’t Every RMP-Approved Restaurants In California Accept EBT?

Only select California locations of RMP-approved stores are accepting EBT from SNAP recipients. There are various reasons why not every location is accepting EBT payments such as the following:

Compliance with SNAP or RMP Rules

Not every restaurant in California is accepting EBT due to the rules and guidelines associated with SNAP and CalFresh RMP. SNAP leaves it to individual locations to decide if they want to participate in RMP. Till now most of the restaurant stores have not decided to participate in RMP.

Limited RMP Approval

Every California restaurant has to be approved for the RMP before processing EBT payments. SNAP agencies decide the type of fast food restaurant that can be approved for the program. Unless you are living in a CalFresh RMP-authorized location and visiting a participating store you cannot use your EBT as a method of payment.

Can I Pay For Online Restaurant Food Delivery With My EBT Card In California?

Even though a lot of California restaurants and fast food chains have partnered with delivery partners like Grubhub, Postmates, UberEats and DoorDash, SNAP recipients cannot pay for food delivery using their EBT card.

California restaurants and their delivery partners are accepting EBT as a means of payment for online orders. This is because the restaurants serve hot ready-to-eat meals that cannot be purchased with SNAP EBT in every state that is participating in USDA’s Online EBT Pilot Program.

The program allows SNAP recipients to use the EBT card as a method of payment for buying necessary food items and groceries online. In such a situation, you have to use an alternate source of payment like a debit or credit card for ordering food from your favorite restaurant. You can use your EBT card for in-store purchases at RMP-participating California restaurants.

How To Use EBT Cards At CalFresh RMP Approved Restaurants?

Here is a way how you can use your EBT card at RMP approved California restaurants.

Visit the checkout counter of your restaurant to use the EBT card and inform the cashier that you will be paying with your food stamps before ordering your favorite meal
When it comes to paying for your ordered meal simply swipe or enter the card at the cash register, enter the four-digit PIN and authorize the payment.

What Are The Acceptable/ Unacceptable Food Items That You Can / Can’t Buy With Your EBT?

Following is the list of items that you can generally purchase using your EBT card:

Fruits and vegetables
Milk and dairy products
Meat and poultry like pork, beef, chicken, turkey and other meat
Grains and bridges including cereals, tortillas, rice, pasta
Snack items that can fulfill the nutritional standards
Seeds and plants for producing food
Canned and packaged goods like meals, soups, veggies
Non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water, soft drinks and fruit juices

Following is the list of unacceptable items that you cannot purchase using your EBT card in any location.

Alcoholic beverages
Prepared hot food
Tobacco products
Vitamins
Non-food items like pet foods
Cleaning supplies
Laundry detergent
Diapers
Shampoo
Personal hygiene items
Cosmetics
Paper products

List Of Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT Payments In California

There are many restaurants or fast food chains in California that enable SNAP beneficiaries to use their EBT card as a method of payment. While some are national chains that accept EBT at every RMP-approved location, some are regional.

Following is the list of fast food options available in California that are authorized to accept EBT.

Burger King

Burger King is popular for serving varieties of flame-grilled burgers like whooper, chicken sandwiches, fries, salads, milkshakes etc. Californians who are craving a juicy burger can approach the nearby Burger King store that accepts EBT as a method of payment. Nearly 145 Burger King store locations accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries in California.

Carl’s Jr.

Californians who are burger lovers will certainly prefer to eat at Carl’s Jr. store. Carl’s Jr. has locations spread all over California starting from Southern California to the Bay Area and many other locations.

Carl’s Jr. is popular for its tasty menus such as western bacon cheeseburger, famous star with cheese, 1/3 thick burger, the Big Carl and delicious Crisscut fries etc. More than 150 Carl’s Jr. stores accept EBT as a method of payment.

Del Taco

Del Taco restaurant provides a menu that combines American and Mexican flavors. The restaurant specializes in serving burritos, tacos, quesadillas, classic Dell combo etc.

Apart from the Mexican-inspired dishes the restaurant also serves fries, burgers, shakes etc. The restaurant provides a diverse range of choices for CalFresh RMP participants. Nearly 140 Del Taco locations in California accept EBT as a method of payment.

Denny’s

A popular diner chain that is participating in the California Restaurant Meals Program is Denny’s. The restaurant is popular for serving breakfast options like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and omelets to name a few.

It also serves classic American food like sandwiches, burgers, homestyle dinners etc. so that every participant can enjoy delicious food without worrying about the price. Nearly 50 Denny’s restaurants accept this method of payment by participating in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

Domino’s Pizza

A popular pizza delivery chain that is participating in the California Restaurant Meals Program and enables EBT cardholders to enjoy delicious pizza with snap benefits is Domino’s Pizza.

Domino’s Pizza has a wide variety of menus starting from classic pepperoni, speciality options, pasta, a variety of side dishes, chicken and so on. At present 60 Domino’s Pizza locations in California accept SNAP or EBT benefits.

DOUBLZ

A Los Angeles-based restaurant DOUBLZ specializes in providing a fusion of international American flavors such as sandwiches, burgers, global-inspired dishes, and so on. Around 6 DOUBLZ restaurants are accepting EBT benefits in Los Angeles CA.

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, polo-fit bowls and nachos. SNAP recipients looking for ways to feed their whole family and make the best use of the EBT card at El Pollo Loco. Nearly 220 restaurants are accepting EBT as a method of payment through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

Everytable

Everytable offers diverse menu options that comprise fresh salads, wraps and bolts with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant stands out for its dedication to providing nutrition and affordable meals to customers. Around 14 Everytable locations situated in San Diego and Los Angeles accept SNAP benefits.

Fatburger

Fatburger provides a wide range of food options to satisfy your burger cravings, and this includes delicious shakes and mouth-watering burgers. Around 13 Fatburger restaurants in California accept EBT benefits.

Frosty King

Frosty King is a popular local eatery in California that specializes in serving ice cream treats like sundaes, banana splits, and cones, in addition to burgers and hot dogs. Nearly five Frosty Kings store locations accept SNAP or EBT benefits in California.

Giant Pizza King

Another go-to place for having cheesy and hearty pizzas with your EBT card is Giant Pizza King. You can choose from a diverse pizza options from here at affordable rates. Nearly 6 Giant Pizza King stores accept EBT in California.

Little Caesars

One of the most loved pizza chains in the United States with nearly 4000 locations throughout the country including California is Little Caesars. Only a few locations in California accept SNAP or EBT benefits. Little Caesars menu comprises a variety of chicken items in classic favorites such as cheese, pepperoni, ultimate supreme, 5 meat feast, hula Hawaiian, veggie etc.

La Pizza Loca

La Pizza Loca offers an extensive range of food options to satisfy your pizza cravings. Starting with signature pizza with bold flavors, there are two classic options like cheese and pepperoni. Around 9 La Pizza Loca restaurants accept EBT benefits from SNAP beneficiaries.

Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken

Louisiana’s Famous Fried Chicken offers delectable fried chicken items with a sudden twist. They provide a menu that features flavorful and crispy fried chicken along with mouthwatering sides such as rice, red beans, cornbread, coleslaw etc. There are a minimum of 12 locations throughout California that participate in CalFresh RMP.

McDonald’s

The global fast food icon that is popular for its tasty McNuggets and Big Macs is known as McDonald’s. McDonald’s serves a wide variety of sandwiches, breakfast items and burgers. The restaurant chain caters to all tastes and makes it convenient for EBT participants who are looking for a satisfying and quick meal using their EBT card.

Papa John’s

Renowned for their tasty pizzas Papa John’s offers fresh ingredients with signature garlic butter sauce. The restaurant provides a diverse selection of amazing pizza creations from classic pepperoni to specialty pizzas. With their safe and reliable delivery system, RMP participants in California can enjoy the delicious pizza from Papa John’s. At present 8 store locations in California accept SNAP or EBT benefits as a means of payment.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut has something tasty to offer for everyone. The restaurant is famous for its stuffed crust, pan pizzas and wide range of toppings. The Pizza Hut menu extends to wings, pasta, and delicious desserts. Approximately 225 Pizza Hut store locations accept food stamp benefits in California.

PizzaMan Dan’s

A local favorite in California that is known for serving delicious pizzas with fresh ingredients and different toppings is PizzaMan Dan’s. No matter whether you’re preferring classic combinations or delicious, unique flavors, their menu has something to cater to every pizza lover. Nearly 9 PizzaMan Dan’s restaurants accept EBT in California.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

A renowned fast food chain known as Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen specializes in serving mouth watering fried chicken with a bit of Southern flair, as well as dishes like red beans and rice, Cajun-inspired dishes, and biscuits. Over 70 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurants accept EBT benefits in California.

Primo Burger

Known for serving satisfying and delicious burgers, Primo Burger provides a variety of options for customers to choose from, such as classic burgers, specialty burgers, and even delicious hot dogs and sandwiches. Around 5 Primo Burger locations situated in Los Angeles accept SNAP benefits through RMP.

Rally’s Hamburgers

Rally’s Hamburgers is a popular fast food chain in California that is known for serving flavorful and bold hamburgers with delicious sides like milkshakes and seasoned fries. Around 25 restaurants are accepting EBT in California.

Subway

A popular sandwich chain known as Subway is participating in the California Restaurant Meals Program. Subways are popular for offering customizable sandwiches, wraps, and salads to their customers. Subway enables participants to enjoy their meal using the California Restaurant Meals Program. Nearly 500 subway restaurants are accepting EBT in California through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

Sombrero

A local favorite in California for Mexican cuisine is Sombrero, and their dishes include authentic Mexican food like tacos and burritos, to tamales, and enchiladas. The restaurant commits to providing flavorful and quality dishes so that Americans can get a taste of Mexican food. Nearly 9 Sombrero restaurants in San Diego accept EBT payments.

Taco Bell

One of the most favorite fast food chains among Americans for its Mexican-inspired menu comprising tacos, nachos and burritos is Taco Bell. There are nearly 20 Taco Bell locations that are accepting EBT benefits and most of them are located in Riverside.

Tam’s Burger

Tam’s Burger participates in the California Restaurants Meals Program and serves satisfying and healthy burgers with several classic American dishes, such as sandwiches and hot dogs. You can get affordable and delicious items from this restaurant. Around 18 Tam’s Burger restaurants are participating in the RMP.

The Habit Burger Grill

Popular for serving charbroiled burgers, the Habit Burger Grill commits to providing 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.

Tom’s Jr. Burgers

Situated in Los Angeles, Tom’s Jr. Burgers participates in the California Restaurant Meals Program and provides mouthwatering burgers along with classic American food such as crispy chicken sandwiches, juicy cheeseburgers, etc. Around 5 Tom’s Jr. Burger locations accept EBT benefits.

Vallarta Supermarket

Situated in Los Angeles, Vallarta Supermarket participates in the Restaurant Meals Program and is a one-stop destination for getting Mexican groceries and cuisine. They provide a variety of dishes, from tacos and tamales to burritos and enchiladas. Around 20 Vallarta Supermarket locations are accepting EBT benefits to serve hot, prepared meals.

Waba Grill

Popular for serving favored foods and healthy dishes, Waba Grill provides a diverse menu featuring tofu bowls, chicken, steak, a variety of tasty sauces, and fresh vegetables. There are nearly 15 Waba Grill restaurants in California, th.ar accept EBT, and most of them are located in Orange County.

Wendy’s

A well-known fast food restaurant known as Wendy’s is popular for its square-shaped burgers and variety of signature items such as Baconator and Dave’s Single. The restaurant provides delicious chicken sandwiches, sides and salads and enables EBT recipients to enjoy tasty and satisfying meals using their debit cards. Nearly 85 restaurants accept EBT as a method of payment in California.

Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel specializes in serving flavorful hot dogs, including popular chili dogs, as well as side dishes like corn dogs and chili cheese fries. They provide flavorful and unique dining options to Californians. Around 15 Wienerschnitzel locations are participating in the California RMP, and most of them are located in Los Angeles County.

Wingstop

Known for serving delicious chicken wings, Wingstop is a part of CalFresh RMP that provides classic Buffalo-flavored wings to 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.

Yoshinoya

Yoshino is a famous Japanese fast food chain in California that is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program and known for serving Yoshinoya beef bowls as their signature dish along with various Japanese-inspired cuisine like vegetable bowls and teriyaki chicken. The restaurant accepts EBT payments at 80 locations throughout the state.