Top Restaurants That Accept EBT Food Stamps Near Me – The rising cost of living and inflation have made it difficult for a lot of low-income Americans to access food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been designed by a federal initiative and administered by the USDA to enable low-income families to purchase staple foods at select grocery stores. It is also interesting to note that a lot of fast food restaurants offer EBT benefits as a part of the Restaurant Meals Program.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program assists low-income families and individuals with groceries, food and drink items. SNAP benefits are delivered to recipients through an EBT card. A lot of people are curious to know whether these cards can be used at fast-food restaurants or not.
The program allows certain people to purchase prepared meals at fast food restaurants with the help of their EBT card. However, the eligibility criteria and availability may differ from one place to another. If you’re living in one of the states that operate the Restaurant Meals Program, then you can use your SNAP Benefits on fast food. In this guide, we have compiled a list of the top fast food restaurants that accept EBT as a method of payment and how you can find them.
The Restaurants Meal Program is a federal government initiative designed in many states as part of the SNAP program. The program assists low-income families and individuals to pay for a hot prepared meal with the help of their debit card. A lot of companies and states have participated in the restaurant meals program. This guide will throw light on restaurants from fast food chains and pizza places near you that accept EBT payment from customers.
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Can You Use An EBT Card At Restaurants?
The SNAP program is designed by the federal government for purchasing cold foods and groceries that individuals can prepare at home and this leaves disabled individuals or senior citizens who are unable to cook for themselves with limited options.
This is the reason why the Restaurant Meals Program, a state-run federal program, was designed to assist homeless individuals, senior citizens and disabled SNAP recipients to buy food at SNAP authorized restaurants with the help of their EBT cards. You can use your EBT card at fast food restaurants if:
- You qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program by proving you are an elderly, disabled or homeless SNAP recipient.
- You live in a state where the Restaurant Meals Program is running
- You visit a restaurant that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program.
List of Top Restaurants That Are Accepting EBT Cards
McDonald’s
No other fast food restaurant is as popular as McDonald’s which was established in 1955. EBT cards are accepted by McDonald’s in states like Arizona, California and Michigan.
Burger King
The second largest hamburger chain in America after McDonald is Burger King that has 18700+ locations in different countries. Burger King accepts EBT cards from customers in Arizona and California.
Carl’s Jr.
The fast food restaurant Carl’s Jr. has 1000+ locations throughout the United States of America and has been serving customers since 1941. Apart from the United States of America, that restaurant has operated in 28 different countries. The restaurant accepts EBT cards in California and Arizona.
Domino’s
Domino’s, a popular fast food restaurant has more than 14400 locations in 85 different countries including the United States of America. Domino’s accepts debit cards in Arizona and California.
KFC
KFC is a popular fast-food restaurant that accepts EBT cards for purchasing meals in states that are participating in the federal Restaurant Meals Program.
If you belong to Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island then you can use your debit card to purchase meals at this fast food restaurant. It is important to remember that the restaurant serves in particular cities or counties only.
Subway
Subway is popular for its food and long sandwiches and has operations in more than 100 countries. There are 37,000 restaurants in different countries worldwide and this fast food chain accepts EBT cards in different states of America such as California and Rhode Island.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell was born in 1962 and was available in only 19 states. The restaurant is popular for its quasi-Mexican cuisine and has more than 7000 locations in America. There are selective locations in Arizona and California that accept EBT cards as a means of payment from customers.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars was founded by a couple who spent their life savings into opening a pizza store in Garden City Michigan and later the business expanded to more than 4000 locations in America. There are a few locations where this restaurant is accepting EBT cards in San Diego California.
Popeye’s
Started 50 years ago in the state of Louisiana Popeye’s spread its location throughout the world. The restaurant is accepting debit cards from customers in Arizona and California. The chain also accepts debit cards in selective counties in Michigan and Virginia.
Wendy’s
There are 6500 Wendy’s restaurants across the globe and is a popular fast food chain today. The restaurant is accepting EBT cards but only a handful of locations in California
EL Pollo Loco
EL Pollo Loco was opened in 1980 and acquired by Denny’s Inc. in 1983. The restaurant has 500 locations in the United States of America and a few locations of this restaurant accept EBT cards from customers in California and Arizona.
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.
Black Bear Diner
Renowned for serving homestyle comfort food the Black Bear Diner accepts EBT in certain California locations only. You can enjoy traditional American favorites, including breakfast, lunch and dinner options here.
Denny’s
The family-friendly dinner chain Denny’s is renowned for providing 24×7 service and a wide array of breakfast options, like pancakes, breakfast skillets, omelets, burgers, dinner entrees, sandwiches, and so on. Nearly 49 Denny’s locations in America accept EBT.
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, that accept EBT, and most of them are located in Orange County.
Dickey’s BBQ Pit
Dickey’s BBQ Pit is a popular establishment that serves authentic close-smoked barbecue and a wide array of meat, including pulled pork, beef brisket, marinated chicken, and sweet Louis-style ribs. They also offer a variety of homestyle items like macaroni cheese and jalapeno beans. A lot of Dickie’s BBQ restaurants are accepting EBT.
Papa John’s
You can enjoy chicken wings, pizza, and various other delightful dishes from Papa John’s with the help of your EBT card at participating locations. You need to ensure your state participates in the restaurant meals program to use your EBT card at Papa John’s.
Fatburger
Popular for serving big iconic juicy burgers, Fat Burger is accepting EBT in 15 California locations. The Fatburger menu features different types of burger options, like onion rings, fries, traditional and vegan options, as well as milkshake flavors.
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.
Fishbone Seafood
A lot of Fishbone Seafood restaurants in America accept EBT in RMP-approved restaurants. They offer a variety of shrimp, fish, and other authentic seafood.
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.
Hot Off The Grill
Renowned for serving breakfast specials, burritos, burgers, and a comfortable dining experience Hot Off The Grill is available in three RMP-approved restaurants. The restaurant comes with a dog-friendly outdoor patio and efficient and friendly service.
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.
Pieology Pizzeria
Known for serving a customizable pizza experience with a variety of sources, crusts, and toppings, Pieology Pizzeria provides signature pizza like chicken bacon ranch, margarita, mega meat, and so on. You can also find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options here. At least two Pieology Pizzeria are accepting EBT payments.
Senior Sushi
Senior Sushi provides a unique fusion of Latin and Japanese gastronomy. You can find an exotic blend of flavors that feature sushi rolls with a Latin twist in a family-friendly atmosphere. A lot of Senior Sushi restaurants are accepting EBT.
Blimpie
Blimpie, also known as America’s Sub Shop, is a New Jersey-style sub sandwich shop that provides cold-cut deli subs, paninis, hot subs, and salads. A few participating Blimpie locations in America accept EBT as a method of payment.
Teriyaki Madness
Known for serving fresh and flavorful Japanese-inspired dishes, teriyaki madness serves made-to-order teriyaki dishes with a variety of options like beef, chicken, and tofu, along with vegetables and rice. At least three teriyaki mattress store locations in America accept EBT
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.
Johnny Rockets
The renowned American diner-style restaurant chain Johnny Rockets serves classic burgers, fries and shakes. You can also purchase burgers from a chicken site, sandwiches, milkshakes, and salads from here. Only one Johnny Rockets restaurant in Camarillo, CA, accepts EBT payments.
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.
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.
Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice is a renowned juice and smoothie chain with nearly 6,000 locations throughout the country. A few Jamba Juice restaurants in California accept snap or EBT benefits. You can enjoy smoothie flavors, plant-based smoothies, and many other juice options from this restaurant.
How To Find Fast Food Restaurants That Participate In RMP?
A lot of states in America are participating in Restaurant Meal Programs such as Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Michigan, New York, Illinois, Maryland and Hawaii. There are a variety of fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT as a payment method from customers.
In other words, you can buy hot foods with your food stamp if you’re living in any one of these states. Let’s take a look at the following restaurants or food places that are accepting EBT.
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Arizona
Here is the list of fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT in Arizona.
- Burger King
- Burger Shoppe
- Angie’s Lobster
- Blue Seas Express
- 47 Ave Food Store Inc.
- Chix N Mex
- Churchs Chicken 955
- Captain Tony’s Pizza
- Carl’s Jr
- Classic Cooking Academy
- Chavelas Water and Ice Cream Eatery
- Domino’s Pizza
- Dorsey B’s Fish and Fixins
- Dairy Queen
- Diamond Creek Restaurant
- Eat Fresh Mexican Food
- El Pollo Loco
- Eegee’s
- Figami Asian Fresh
- Firehouse Subs
- Fat Sub
- Harris & Smith Coffee Company
- Hungry Howie’s
- Helpings Cafe and Market
- Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
- Jack in the Box
- KFC
- Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- Latino Restaurant
- Lenny’s Burger
- Love Hawaiian BBQ
- La Perla Sports Cantina
- McDonald’s
- Maskadores Taco Shop
- NK Gyros
- Perfetto
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Rags Real Chicken and Waffles
- Senor Sushi
- Smoke Dem Bones BBQ
- Subway
- Speedy Street Tacos
- Sylvia’s La Canasta
- Sylvia’s Off The Grill
- Sue Soul Food Heaven
- Taco Bell
- Tasty Box
- T and Y Hawaiian BBQ
- Uncle Sam’s
To get a compiled list of the participating locations and fast-food chains that accept EBT in Arizona read our next guide.
Restaurants That Accept EBT In California
Following is the list of fast food places that are accepting EBT in California through RMP.
- A&T Burgers
- Alma’s Cookies & Company Restaurant
- Angelo’s Burger
- Ameci Pizza Kitchen
- Arnold’s Burgers
- Art’s Famous Chili Dog
- Arby’s
- Arnold’s Burgers
- Bayou Grille
- B&R’s Old Fashion Burger
- Baby Brother Pizza
- BBQ King
- Big Al’s Pizza
- BBQ Express
- Bonnie B’s Smokin BBQ
- Boy’s Hamburgers
- Bobo’s Hamburger
- Broadway Food Corner
- Bravo Burger
- Burger King
- Brother’s BBQ
- California Steak & Fries
- Campus Kitchen
- Cafe Creole
- California Cheeseburgers
- Captain Tony’s Pizza and Pasta
- Carl’s Jr
- Ceiba Restaurant
- Casa Sanchez
- Carnitas Michoacán
- Chavez Polo & Burger
- China Beauty Food Express
- Chabelitas Restaurant
- Chinese Express
- Church’s Chicken
- Chinatown Express
- Cliff’s Texas Style Burritos
- Corner Kafe
- Classic Burger
- Covina Burgers
- Curry Time
- Cypress Best Burgers
- Crazy Falafel
- D’s Original Take Out Grill
- Del Taco
- Daily Donuts House
- Dinna’s Mexican Food Restaurant
- Dickey’s BBQ Pit
- Dino’s Burgers
- Denny’s
- Dominguez Pizza
- Downtown Catch 21
- Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen
- Doublz
- Domino’s Pizza
- Dono’s Fish & Chicken
- El Arka Bakery & Restaurant
- El Huero
- El Pollo Loco
- El Merendero
- Jack in the Box
- Le Pardis Bakery and Cafe
- NYC Deli & Grill
- Nikko’s Family Restaurant
- New York Pizza
- Primo Burgers
- Taqueria El Torero and many others.
Participating counties: 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.
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Hawaii
Here are the listed restaurants in Hawaii that accepts EBT cards-
- Waba Grill
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Taco Bell
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Maryland
In 2020, Maryland’s Restaurant Meals Program was launched. This program is still in the pilot stage, and that means it is being tested in a small area to see if it is suitable for the state.
The program ought to eventually be expanded throughout the state or other areas if everything goes according to plan. There is only one restaurant that accepts EBT- 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant.
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Michigan
There are currently 14 restaurants in Michigan that accept EBT:
- Just Munchies
- Wing Heaven Sports Haven
- Dee’s Pizza Pad
- Siraj Cuisine
- Sally’s Whatta Pizza
- Holy Cow! Creamery
- McDonald’s (4 locations)
- Ray’s Pizza and Chicken
- Sheeba Express
- Emma’s Coffee House
- Breadless
- Burton Village BBQ Company
- Foundry Bakehouse and Deli
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Illinois
Illinois has been participating in the Restaurant Meals program since late summer of 2021 and is enabling SNAP-eligible households to use the EBT card to buy hot meals at participating restaurants. At the moment, it only works in certain Chicago zip codes. In Illinois, there are certain restaurants that accept EBT, these are:
- JJ Fish and Chicken
- S2 Express Grill
- Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood
- Doughboy’s Chicago
- BJ’s Market and Bakery
- Firehouse Bakery and Grill
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Rhode Island
Only Subway and Federal Hill Pizza in Rhode Island are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program in select Illinois cities and accept EBT.
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Florida
We have mentioned some listed restaurants in Florida that accept EBT cards, but remember to check these restaurants on the web before visiting.
- Popeye’s
- Quiznos
- Great Steaks
- Waba Grill
- Uncle Sam’s
- Tasty Box
- Taco Bell
- Subway
- 24th st Pizza & Gyros
- Blimpie
- Burger Shoppe
- CiCi’s Pizza
- Dairy Queen
- Denny’s
- Dominos Pizza
- Eagles
- El Pollo Loco
- Fat Sub
- Firestone Subs
- Golden Corral
- Harris and Smith Coffee Company
- Helpings Café and Market
- Jack in the Box
- Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
- KFC
- MoonLight Family Restaurant
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Papa Murphy’s
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Smoke Dem Bones BBQ
- Speedy Street Tacos Corp
Restaurants That Accept EBT In Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services revealed in June 2023 that they would be launching the Restaurant Meals Program in Massachusetts in the fall 2023. EBT card holders can use their EBT at various fast food chains or restaurants throughout the state.
Currently, 27 fast food locations and restaurants, including food trucks, are approved to accept EBT in Massachusetts within 7 communities. Let’s take a look at the following restaurants that accept EBT in Massachusetts:
- Las Delicias Colombianas
- La Parada Dominican Kitchen
- El Taller
- Bella Isla Café
- Vejigantes Restaurant
- Merengue Restaurant
- Café Reyes
- Thmor Da Restaurant
- Cedar’s Food Mart
- Fresh Food Generation
- Soleil Restaurant
- Crave
- Sabrosa Venezuela
- Sabrine Bakery and Cafe
- Cocina Lupita
- Brother’s Deli of Lynn
- Faneeks Coney Island
- Bridge Pizzeria
- Pizza Maria
- Caribbean Classic on Wheels
- Las Palmas Restaurant
- New Wine Pizza
- Sazon Peru Restaurant
- Fritay Restaurant
- January’s Kitchen
- Dona Habana
Participating Cities: Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Fall River, Greenfield, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Mattapan, Revere, Roslindale, Springfield, and Worcester.
Restaurants That Accept EBT In New York
New York is soon expected to join the Restaurant Meals Program statewide as a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. In other words, food stamp recipients can use their EBT card in New York at participating fast food locations and restaurants to purchase prepared meals.
Presently, the program is accepting applications from fast food restaurants in New York, and once the program gets launched, we will update the post with all the participating locations.
Participating counties. Statewide
Do you know which fast-food chains in Kentucky accept EBT? Find them out in our next guide.
How To Use EBT Cards At Restaurants In States That Do Not Have An RMP?
It has been mentioned above that the SNAP benefits are designed for assisting households to purchase grocery items and food that can be prepared at home so the card cannot be used to purchase hot prepared meals at restaurants.
However, it is interesting to note that two fast-food restaurants are accepting debit cards from customers statewide.
Starbucks
The fast food restaurant Starbucks does not accept EBT cards at any of the company-owned stores however it accepts EBT at some of the licensed stores that are located in retail stores and grocery stores.
Fortunately, there are approximately 6300 licensed stores in Starbucks operating in the United States of America so you have plenty of places to use your food stamp benefits to get a hot meal prepared.
You can be eligible to use the food stamp benefits when you visit a Starbucks inside places like Target, Fred Meyer, and Safeway grocery chains that are accepting food stamps. You just need to make sure you avoid buying food that is hot at the point of sale.
Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s is another fast food restaurant that accepts EBT cards even if you are residing in a state that is not participating in RMP.
Independently owned franchises of the company are set up to accept SNAP benefit or debit cards as a form of payment if customers are buying food in-store and the EBT card cannot be used for online purchases.
As customers can take Papa Murphy’s Pizza home to bake a pizza at their home the food they get from the restaurant is considered SNAP-eligible.
Other Take-and-Bake Pizzerias
There are many pizzerias in America that allow EBT card holders to purchase cold pizza that they can take home and cook. It is recommended to contact your local takeout and bake pizza places that sell cold pizzas and learn whether they accept EBT benefits. For instance, even though 711 is a convenience store and not a restaurant, a lot of people have reported that they can purchase cold pizzas at 711 with their EBT card.
Restaurants Inside Grocery Stores
A lot of EBT card holders have reported that a few restaurants inside stores, like Target or Walmart, accept EBT. For instance, a lot of readers have claimed that they can purchase hot pizza from Pizza Hut locations that are located inside Walmart or Target.
This is generally a glitch, and it is not supposed to work unless the location is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. Users must verify the information with their local stores, as the policies may vary from one place to another. Checking with the store directly or visiting their official website will help you get up-to-date information about the acceptance of EBT benefits.
Conclusion
The Food Stamp Program, also known as the SNAP Benefit, is a federal initiative that provides nutrition assistance to millions of low-income families and individuals. SNAP recipients who are a part of the Restaurant Meals Program can take advantage of the initiative to enjoy hot, prepared meals at their favorite fast food restaurants with the help of the EBT card. However, the eligibility criteria may vary from one state to another, and only a few fast food restaurant locations are a part of the RMP program. Once you are certain that a preferred location is EBT, you can surely satisfy your taste buds with the delicious menu items.
SNAP recipients can also read about 34 EBT-friendly Restaurants That take EBT payments in our next guide at our Get Government Grants’ section today. Our resources will help you to find the right type of support based on your needs and requirements. Learn more about Free Clothing for low income family Programs 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
Am I eligible for the restaurant meal program?
The homeless, elderly over 60 and disabled people are given high preference for the restaurant’s meal program. You can also contact the local department of human service office to get additional information on the eligibility requirements.
What is meant by the SNAP Restaurant Meal Program?
The government of the United States of America initiated the SNAP restaurant meals program for the homeless, seniors and disabled. The SNAP programs offer prepared meals that can be purchased using the EBT cards. But remember to purchase food from participating restaurants or you might end up paying them in cash or other payment methods.
How can I Qualify for an EBT Card?
Everyone cannot qualify for the EBT card as it is only given to specific people who have urgent requirements. It is important to meet the primary eligibility criteria to qualify for an EBT card. One of the main criteria that is looked upon is the income level of the application. If you are disabled, senior or homeless you can surely get EBT cards as they are given the highest priority.
What do I do when my EBT benefit is not enough to purchase a meal?
It is a difficult question that most people ask. When your SNAP benefit balance is running low, you might be charged over. In such critical times you should communicate with the cashier or manager of the restaurant so that you can make a combined payment using your EBT cash benefit and SNAP EBT benefit. However, it is highly recommended to check your balance before purchasing food from the listed participating restaurants.