Restaurents That Take Ebt In Hawaii – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has expanded food assistance benefits to certain groups of people in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program. Initially established to address the needs of those who are unable to prepare meals, RMP represents a critical step towards inclusive food assistance for all.
A lot of states including Hawaii have enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program to enable participants access to hot-prepared meals using EBT benefits. Wondering which restaurants in Hawaii participate in the RMP? Look no further as our guide will help you dive deep into the restaurants that are participating in this program in Hawaii and will help you explore the significant impact that the program has created on vulnerable populations.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot meals at select restaurants.
- Eligibility for RMP includes being elderly (60+), disabled, homeless, or a spouse of someone enrolled.
- Some participating restaurants include Subway, Taco Bell, Burger King, Papa John’s, and Denny’s (locations vary).
- You can use your Kokua EBT card at participating restaurants with RMP approval.
- Check the Quest sign or ask the store manager if EBT is accepted.
Understanding EBT And The Restaurant Meals Program In Hawaii
The Electronic Benefits Transfer Card in Hawaii is known as a Kokua card. The card works similarly to a debit card and enables the SNAP recipients to purchase eligible food at authorized stores including select restaurants for a few participants. You will get a brochure that describes how you can use your EBT card once you’re approved for SNAP benefits.
The Restaurant Meals Program is an extension of SNAP benefits that allows the elderly, homeless and disabled individuals to purchase hot prepared meals from participating restaurants. As per the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Economic Data around 162,499 SNAP recipients are enrolled in EBT benefits in Hawaii as of June 2018 representing 11% of the overall Hawaii population.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria To Purchase Food From Restaurants In Hawaii With Your EBT Card?
SNAP recipients who want to use their EBT card at participating restaurants in Hawaii must meet certain eligibility criteria set by USDA. It is important to consider that not everyone can qualify for hot-prepared meals from restaurants in Hawaii. Let’s take a look at the following eligibility criteria to use your EBT card.
- You must be an elderly person of at least sixty years or above in age
- You must be a disabled individual or currently receiving disability benefits
- You must be a homeless person with no permanent nighttime address
- You are a spouse of a SNAP recipient who is enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program
- You are currently enrolled in Hawaii food stamp benefits and have an active Hawaii EBT card.
Which Restaurants In Hawaii Accept EBT?
A lot of Hawaiian cities have been involved with the Restaurant Meals Program to enable elderly, disabled and homeless individuals to purchase hot-prepared meals with the help of their EBT cards. Let’s take a look at the following fast-food giants that accepts EBT near you.
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 select Hawaii cities. 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.
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. 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. Only a few participating Burger King locations in Hawaii accept EBT.
Taco Bell
One of the best Mexican fast food chains that has 7000 store locations throughout America is Taco Bell. Taco Bell serves Mexican-inspired dishes along with classic burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas. The restaurant chain has more than 7000 locations in America however select locations in Hawaii accept EBT cards. A few other iconic items on Taco Bell’s menu are the Nacho cheese, Doritos, Locos, Taco and Crunchwrap Supreme.
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. A handful of Papa John’s store locations in Hawaii accept EBT.
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. A few Denny’s locations in Hawaii accept EBT through RMP.
Few more restaurants that are accepting EBT In Hawai are
- Zippy’s Waiau,
- Foodland Farms,
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii,
- Alicia’s Market,
- Nijiya Market- University Hi,
- Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks,
- Chefzone,
- Down To Earth Organic And Natural Honolulu,
- Fong’s Meat Market- Ala Moana Hi,
- Palama Snack Corner,
- Ming Hing Meat And Seafood Market,
- Kekaulike Market,
- Whole Foods Market,
- Honolulu Farmers Market,
- Abc Market,
- Bm Meat Market,
- Xin Wang Market,
- Time Supermarket Kaimuki,
- Rahat Market,
- Farm Link Hawaii To name a few.
In the below section of the guide, we have covered the list of top restaurants that accept EBT city-wise.
Top Restaurants That Accept EBT Near Honolulu, HI
- Taco Bell
- Zippy’s Waiau
- Foodland Farms
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii
- Alicia’s Market
- Nijiya Market- University, Hi
- Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
- Chefzone
- Down To Earth Organic And Natural Honolulu
- Fong’s Meat Market- Ala Moana Hi
- Palama Snack Corner
- Ming Hing Meat And Seafood Market
- Kekaulike Market
- Whole Foods Market
- Honolulu Farmers Market
- ABC Market
- BM Meat Market
- Safeway
- Walmart
- Xin Wang Market
- Time Supermarket Kaimuki
- Rahat Market
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Denny’s
Top Restaurants That Accept EBT Near Aiea, HI
- Tamura Supermarket
- Palama Snack Corner
- Lao Sticky Rice
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii
- Alicia’s Market
- Taco Bell
- Nijiya Market- University, Hi
- Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
- Chefzone
- BM Meat Market
- Kekaulike Market
- Whole Foods Market
- Honolulu Farmers Market
- ABC Market
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Foodland Farms
- Celestial Natural Foods
- Down To Earth Organic And Natural Honolulu
- Safeway
- Maili Moa
- Rahat Market
- Walmart
- Xin Wang Market
- Makeke Waianae
- Time Supermarket Kaimuki
- Ming Hing Meat And Seafood Market
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Subway
Top Restaurants That Accept EBT In Halawa, HI
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Foodland Farms
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii
- Alicia’s Market
- Fong’s Near Market
- Maili Moa
- Walmart
- Ming Hing Meat And Seafood Market
- BM Meat Market
- Kekaulike Market
- Whole Foods Market
- Nijiya Market- University, Hi
- Down To Earth Organic And Natural Honolulu
- Tamura Supermarket
- BM Meat Market
- Xin Wang Market
- Makeke Waianae
- Time Supermarket Kaimuki
- Palama Snack Corner
- Lao Sticky Rice
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Safeway
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Chuck E Cheese
- Rahat Market
- Honolulu Farmers Market
- ABC Market
- Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
- Chefzone
- Celestial Natural Foods
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Tamura Supermarket
Top Restaurants That Accept EBT In Waimanalo, HI
- Taco Bell
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Foodland Farms
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii
- Alicia’s Market
- Fong’s Near Market
- Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
- Chefzone
- Celestial Natural Foods
- Nijiya Market- University, Hi
- Down To Earth Organic And Natural Honolulu
- BM Meat Market
- Kekaulike Market
- Whole Foods Market
- Honolulu Farmers Market
- ABC Market
- BM Meat Market
- Safeway
- Maili Moa
- Tamura Supermarket
- Palama Snack Corner
- Lao Sticky Rice
- Ming Hing Meat And Seafood Market
- Walmart
- Xin Wang Market
- Makeke Waianae
- Time Supermarket Kaimuki
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Chuck E Cheese
- Rahat Market
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Tamura Supermarket
- Ninja market Ala Moana Hi
- Da HotSpot Kaunakakai
- Subway
Top Restaurants That Accept EBT In Punaluu, Hawaii
- Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
- Chefzone
- Celestial Natural Foods
- Nijiya Market- University, Hi
- Down To Earth Organic And Natural Honolulu
- Tamura Supermarket
- Palama Snack Corner
- Lao Sticky Rice
- Taco Bell
- Moe’s Southwest grill
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Foodland Farms
- Maguro Brothers Hawaii
- Alicia’s Market
- Fong’s Near Market
- Xin Wang Market
- Makeke Waianae
- Time Supermarket Kaimuki
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Rahat Market
- Farm Link Hawaii
- Tamura Supermarket
- Da HotSpot Kaunakakai
- Ming Hing Meat And Seafood Market
- Kekaulike Market
- Whole Foods Market
- Honolulu Farmers Market
- ABC Market
- BM Meat Market
- Safeway
- Maili Moa
- Walmart
- Subway
How Do I Use My Kokua (Hawaii) EBT Card To Purchase Food?
When it comes to purchasing food from participating restaurants in Hawaii you need to hand over your EBT card to the clerk or send your card to the Point of Sale machine as directed by the store manager. Once the cashier enters the SNAP purchase amount you need to check the amount that comes in the POS window.
If the amount is correct then simply enter your 4-digit secret PIN. You can use the PoS machine to buy food until all your EBT benefits are used. An account balance will be listed on the store receipt for the amount of money that you have spent on food at the participating location.
What Food Can You Purchase With Your EBT Card In Hawaii?
Hawaiian residents can purchase the following list of items with the Electronic Benefits Transfer card in Hawaii.
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)
- Cooking oil such as vegetable or olive oil
- Poultry products like eggs and chicken
- Dairy products like almond milk, cheese, milk, butter
- Seafood like fish, lobster, shellfish
- Red meat like ribs, steak, ground beef,
- Bread and cereals such as tortillas, rice, bagels, pasta, oatmeal, pita bread, and rye bread
- Desert such as cookies, brownies, ice cream
- Snack items including cold sandwiches, candy, chips, snack crackers
- Non-alcoholic beverages and energy drinks
- Pork products like tenderloin, bacon, sausages, chops
- Seeds and plants to produce food
Following is the list of items that you cannot purchase with your EBT card in Hawaii:
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements
- Alcoholic products like wine, beer, liquor
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish)
- Foods that are served hot at the time of sale such as restaurant food
- Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, cosmetics, hygiene items, pet food etc.
What Are The Basic Eligibility Requirements To Qualify For Food Stamps In Hawaii?
Unlike most federal assistance programs that require extensive proof as well as verification tests SNAP is a federal entitlement which means anybody who can qualify can fulfill eligibility criteria. There are three main criteria that Hawaiians have to fulfill to get food stamp benefits. These are as follows:
- Must fulfill the gross and net income limits of the state
- Must meet the $2250 or $3500 cash at hand limits
- Must be able-bodied adults who are 18 to 49 years of age and fulfill the employment requirements. If you are below 18 years of age, disabled, elderly or pregnant then you are exempted from the work requirements.
The Hawaii Food Stamp office will verify the household size and then the gross monthly income limit as well as the net monthly income limits of the household. The qualification will be based on the poverty line established every year.
How To Apply For Hawaii Food Stamps And EBT Card?
Before getting your EBT card to use at authorized stores and restaurants you need to get approval from the Hawaii food stamp office. The Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the food stamp program including the eligibility criteria.
The department provides food stamp applications so if you’re interested in applying for the program you need to contact your local DHS office in Hawaiian counties and complete the application form as required. You can bring it to the food stamp office or mail the application to the address printed on the form. DHS food assistance workers will take your interview and once approved you will be mailed with a Hawaii EBT card.
Which Stores In Hawaii Accept EBT Cards?
- Orchidland General Store
- Masa’s Market & Drive-In
- Tamura’s Market Hauula
- Palama Supermarket Makaloa
- Chicken Cradle
- U & M Produce
- 555 Market
- Malama Market – Pahoa 802
- Mccully Shell
- Healthy Hut
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Walmart
- Vim N Vigor
- Hana Market
- Fiesta Mart & Video Rentals
- Jiffy Mart
- Par 3 Liquor
- Waimalu Gourmet Liquor
- Number One Store
- Min Hing Meat & Seafood Market Llc
- Vinh Thinh Market
- Bay Drive Market
- J Hara Store Inc
- Farmers Market
- Angie’s Market
- Wal-Mart 5274
- Kagimoto’s
- Poke Stop
- Maunaloa General Store
- Island Naturals Pahoa Inc
- George’s Meat Market
- Captain Cook Mini Mart Inc
- Island Fresh Produce
- Waipahu Market
- The Pump Liquor
- Paalaa Kai Mini Mart
- Petersons Upland Farm
- Jimmy’s Produce & Seafood Market
- Honokaa Filipino Store Llc
- Anthony Fraiola Jr
- 7-Eleven Store etc.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list as more stores are accepting EBT cards in Hawaii. A lot of grocery stores and convenience markets throughout the store are EBT-friendly and you can find one near you using the SNAP Retailer Locator.
Which Other States Apart From Hawaii Participate In The Restaurant Meals Program?
Besides Hawaii many other states are enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program. The RMP stands as a beacon of hope for low-income Americans especially disabled, elderly and homeless people who are unable to prepare meals due to their condition.
By extending the usability of SNAP benefits to include hot prepared meals at participating restaurants, the RMP acknowledges their barriers. Let’s take a look at the following states that are accepting EBT for restaurant meals apart from Hawaii.
Arizona
More than 500 restaurants in Arizona are accepting EBT benefits as a method of payment. This includes food giants like Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell to name a few. You can get a compiled list of participating locations and fast food chains in Arizona in our next guide.
California
California has the most robust and largest Restaurant Meals Program and a lot of fast food chains in California accept EBT as a method of payment. This includes Domino’s Pizza, Tam’s Burger, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, Rally’s Hamburger, Taco Bell, and Del Taco to name a few. The participating counties that are RMP enrolled are Alameda, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.
Alabama
Alabama has limited participation in the Restaurant Meals Program. SNAP recipients can find only a few fast food chains that accept EBT in Alabama.
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Human Services has been approved for the Restaurant Meals Program however the state is now accepting applications for restaurants to participate and only one or two restaurants have been RMP-approved. We will update the list as soon as more information about RMP-enrolled restaurants in Maryland becomes available.
Michigan
Michigan has announced its decision to enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program in December 2020 and only a handful of restaurants in the state are accepting EBT as a method of payment.
Not much information is available about fast food chains that accept EBT however we will update the post as soon as more information about Michigan restaurants that accept EBT becomes available.
Illinois
Illinois is accepting applications from restaurants to participate in the USDA Restaurant Meals Program and will be rolling out the initiative for SNAP recipients in the coming months.
We will update the post once the list of participating fast-food chains or locations gets released. Illinois has approved RMP in Franklin and Cook counties with the following zip codes 60619, 60620, 60628 and 60617.
Rhode Island
Only Federal Hill Pizza and Subway in Rhode Island participate in the Restaurant Meals Program in a few Rhode Island cities and accept SNAP benefits as a method of payment.
Massachusetts
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:
- Thmor Da Restaurant
- Cedar’s Food Mart
- Fresh Food Generation
- Soleil Restaurant
- Crave
- Las Delicias Colombianas
- La Parada Dominican Kitchen
- El Taller
- Bella Isla Café
- Vejigantes Restaurant
- Merengue Restaurant
- Café Reyes
- 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
- Friday Restaurant
- January’s Kitchen
- Dona Habana
Participating Cities: Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, Fall River, Greenfield, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Mattapan, Revere, Roslindale, Springfield, and Worcester.
New York
New York has recently enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program statewide. The program is accepting applications from fast-food restaurants that will soon start accepting payments from SNAP beneficiaries. Once the program gets launched we will update the post with all the participating locations and counties.
Do you know which fast-food chains in Kentucky accept EBT? Find them out in our next guide.
Conclusion
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has enabled SNAP recipients in Hawaii to stretch their food budget further. Residents can not only use the card at the authorized stores and grocery markets but also at select restaurants and fast food chains that are accepting EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program. Our guide has thrown light on the list of restaurants in Hawaii that are taking EBT as a method of payment to enable SNAP beneficiaries to access prepared meals and alleviate their hunger. We have also covered the list of stores in Hawaii that are accepting EBT and the eligible products that you can purchase from stores.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding restaurants that accept EBT in Hawaii. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card In Hawaii?
Hawaii residents use their Kokua EBT card at authorized stores that display Quest signs. In case you do not find a Quest sign you can ask the store manager if they accept EBT cards for authorized purchases. In case you lose your card you can contact hawaii customer service at the toll-free number 1-888-328-4292.
Can I Purchase Hot Food With EBT In Hawaii?
The initial waiver that was approved on 16 August 2023 includes 5 counties in Hawaii (Hawaii Hawaii, Kalawao Maui Kauai and Honolulu). This allows SNAP households to purchase hot food with their SNAP benefits at select locations that are RMP-approved.
What Should I Do If I Lose My EBT Card?
If your Kokua EBT card is stolen, lost or damaged you have to get a replacement card by contacting customer service at the toll-free number 1-888-328-4292. It is important to remember that while requesting a replacement card your present card will be deactivated. You can receive the replaced card by mail in five to seven days. If you do not get the card then you can go to your designated processing center and get an over-the-counter replacement.