A complete list of restaurants that accept EBT

As impressive as those numbers are, SNAP has had to evolve over the years to serve recipients even more comprehensively. That evolution included adding the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in 1977 so that certain SNAP recipients could purchase prepared meals at restaurants using their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.

The restaurant program is meant to support people who are unable to make their own meals or who may not have permanent housing where food can be stored. But what does that mean in practice? And how can you find restaurants that accept EBT and are part of the program? Here's a closer look at all of the key information surrounding the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.

Understanding the restaurant meals program

The RMP helps fill a critical gap. While SNAP assists millions of individuals who experience food insecurity annually by providing food benefits that can be used to purchase groceries, the program is focused on groceries that can be prepared at home, which presents barriers for some people experiencing poverty. This is especially true for people experiencing homelessness, as well as those with disabilities, and seniors.

The restaurant program does not replace SNAP, but instead offers a different way for some people to use their SNAP benefits.

"The RMP is an additional option that some states offer as part of SNAP," explains Propel policy specialist Julianna Lai. "It gives SNAP recipients that are at a high risk for chronic hunger the option to use their benefits to buy prepared meals at approved participating restaurant vendors. This is really helpful for folks who might have trouble cooking for themselves, like older adults (60-plus), people with disabilities, and unhoused individuals."

The specific groups of individuals who are eligible to use the RMP include:

• Seniors (those who are 60 years of age or older)
• Disabled individuals (those who are the recipients of disability or blindness payments, or receives disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency due to a disability that has been deemed permanent)
• Unhoused individuals
• The spouse of a SNAP recipient in one of the above groups

The RMP provides critical nutrition access for these vulnerable populations, supporting eligible households that may find it difficult to otherwise utilize their SNAP benefits, adds Andrew Cheyne, managing director of public policy for the California-based non-profit GRACE/End Child Poverty CA.

"If you cannot leave your home to purchase groceries, or do not have a home, these are just a few of the scenarios in which the RMP is a lifeline to ensure people experiencing poverty-related hunger can utilize their federally entitled food benefits to eat," says Cheyne. RMP can also be helpful for SNAP beneficiaries who live in areas that are underserved by traditional grocery stores, providing them with another way to access food, says Cheyne.

Restaurants that participate in the program must offer a discounted meal for SNAP participants on their menu.

Where is RMP available?

RMP is a state option in SNAP, but it has not been adopted by all states. Currently, the RMP is available in nine states across the country that have opted to implement the program. The participating states are:

• Arizona
• California
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

Each participating state is allowed to establish its own requirements surrounding how many and what type of restaurants are allowed to take part in the RMP. This means restaurant participation requirements can vary somewhat from state to state.

However, the U.S. Department has also established basic criteria for restaurants seeking to participate. In order to be included in the program, a restaurant must:

• Be located in a RMP-participating state
• Obtain approval from the state running the program and provide a signed agreement to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
• Be authorized by FNS to receive SNAP benefits

Using EBT at restaurants

If you qualify for the RMP, paying for a restaurant meal using an EBT card is a simple and straightforward process. EBT cards can be used as a form of payment in the same manner as a debit or credit card would be to cover the cost of such meals.

"If you are eligible for the RMP, your EBT card will be specifically coded by the state to be accepted at participating restaurants," says Lai.

To pay for a meal, you provide your EBT card to the restaurant and it will be processed with a point of sale device that's been programmed to accept this form of payment. You will need your PIN number and enough money in your EBT account to cover the purchase.

EBT cards belonging to SNAP beneficiaries who are not eligible for the RMP will be declined when processed by the restaurant.

Identifying restaurants that accept EBT cards

Typically, participating restaurants that accept EBT payment will have a sign somewhere stating this fact. Often this sign is displayed in a front window, on a door, or near the cash register. The signage will say something like: “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program." The sign may also have the symbol of a fork and knife.

"In areas with RMP, look for the familiar restaurant chains," adds Lai. "Certain chain restaurants like Subway or Domino's often participate, though this varies by location."

If you're having trouble finding participating restaurants , it may be due to the fact that the RMP isn't available in your area.

"It's still pretty limited in most parts of the country," says Lai.

What meals can you purchase?

Those using an EBT card to buy a meal at a participating restaurant may order whatever food they want on a restaurant menu.

"Any meal offered at that restaurant [can be purchased]," says Cheyne. "Not necessarily the discounted meal, if that’s not what the customer wants."

In addition, it's important to note that while RMP allows participants to purchase hot meals, that does not mean this benefit can be used to purchase hot foods from any store that accepts EBT payment. The program is specifically approved for restaurant purchases, says Lai.

Benefits of the restaurant meals program

The RMP offers a variety of benefits for participants. Chief among them: being able to obtain hot meals if home food preparation is an outsized barrier.

"Through RMP, eligible SNAP recipients can use their benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals that work for their unique needs and preferences," says Irene Lewis, senior policy and research analyst for the national Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). "Individuals who may lack access to a kitchen to store and cook meals or have challenges preparing meals themselves can still enjoy a hot meal."

There are also nutritional benefits associated with participating in the RMP, adds Lewis.

"Research has long shown the negative impact that hunger and food insecurity have on an individual's health," continues Lewis. "Research shows SNAP participation improves dietary quality and health outcomes. Through RMP, individuals can choose meals aligned with their specific nutritional needs."

A 2021 study titled "SNAP participation and the health and health care utilization of low-income adults and children," found that "for adults, SNAP participation increased the probability of reporting very good or excellent health."

There's another potential benefit of the RMP program as well. It can help address social isolation.

"The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program…provides a dignified way for key groups that often experience social isolation and discrimination to participate in their communities and engage in the everyday experience of getting a restaurant meal," says Anore Horton, the executive director of Hunger Free Vermont.

Finding participating restaurants

There's a variety of ways to find restaurants that are part of the RMP. Participating states, for instance, often have interactive RMP restaurant locator maps on their websites or may have full participating restaurant lists available on their website.

It's also possible to call the local SNAP office in your area to request the names of participating restaurants.

Restaurants displaying relevant signage is another indicator that your EBT card will be accepted. Restaurants that are active in the RMP should have prominent signage, either on a window, door or cash register, that indicates they are part of the RMP.

What restaurants accept EBT?

Here's a snapshot of some of the restaurants nationwide that participate in the RMP program.

Alabama

Does not participate in RMP

Alaska

Does not participate in RMP

Arizona

• Chandler: Burger King, El Pollo Loco, Firehouse Subs, Jack in the Box, Jimmy & Joe's, Pizzeria Serious, Slices, McDonald's, Subway
• Flagstaff: Burger King, Butler Subway Cafe, Chix N Mex, Subway
• Mesa: Burger King, Carls Jr, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Subway
• Phoenix: Burger King, Carl's Junior, Dairy Queen, El Pollo Loco, Jack n' the Box, McDonald's, Subway

Arkansas

Does not participate in RMP

California

• San Franciso: Carl's Jr, Chico's Pizza, UCSF Subway Parnassus, UCSF Subway, Mission Bay
• Los Angeles: Subway, Jack in the Box, Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken and Fish Market, Domino's Pizza, Denny's Restaurant, Wok on the Wild Side, Wendy's, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut
• Riverside: McDonald's, Subway, Yoshinoya Beef Bowl #2152, Del Taco, Denny's #7156
• San Diego: Pizza Hut, Burger King, Denny's, Jack in the Box, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wendy's

Colorado

Does not participate in RMP

Connecticut

Does not participate in RMP

Delaware

Does not participate in RMP

Florida

Does not participate in RMP

Georgia

Does not participate in RMP

Hawaii

Does not participate in RMP

Idaho

Does not participate in RMP

Illinois

• Chicago: BJ's Market & Bakery, Caribbean Jerk's Palace III, Doughboy's Chicago, Firehouse Bakery & Grill, JJ Fish and Chicken, Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood, S2 Express Grill
• Franklin County: Bonnie's Care, Joe's Pizza

Indiana

Does not participate in RMP

Iowa

Does not participate in RMP

Kansas

Does not participate in RMP

Kentucky

Does not participate in RMP

Louisiana

Does not participate in RMP

Maine

Does not participate in RMP

Maryland

• Baltimore: Burger King (multiple locations)
• Calvert County: 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant
• Carroll County: Burger King
• Hartford County: CR Wings
• Montgomery County: Burger King

Massachusetts

• Boston: Fresh Food Generation, Merengue Express, Vejigantes Restaurant
• Dorchester: Stokes BBQ
• Roxbury: La Parada Dominican Kitchen, Merengue Restaurant
• Worcester: New Wine Pizza, Sabrosa Venezuela

Michigan

• Detroit: A Eagles Coney Island, Embassy Coney Island, ERR'Thang Smoked, Heavenly Chicken and Waffles, Market Fresh Deli, Sheeba Express, Subway, The Congregation Detroit, YumVillage
• Dearborn: Toarmina's Pizza, Bionde's Subs, Westpoint Bar-B-Que, Del Taco
• Grand Rapids: Burton Village BBQ Company, Popeye's, Wing Heaven Moo Gobble Burger
• Lansing: Crack Chicken, Eastside Fish Fry, Just Munchies, Siraj Cuisine

Minnesota

Does not participate in RMP

Mississippi

Does not participate in RMP

Missouri

Does not participate in RMP

Montana

Does not participate in RMP

Nebraska

Does not participate in RMP

Nevada

Does not participate in RMP

New Hampshire

Does not participate in RMP

New JerseyDoes not participate in RMP

New Mexico

Does not participate in RMP

New York

• Bronx: Leche Y Miel Restaurant, Pa' Comer, Lins Home Chinese, Kaieteur Restaurant
• Brooklyn: Jam It Bistro, Brain Food Deli & Smart Kitchen, Roseli Chinese Restaurant, Memphis Seoul, IHOP, Ocean Eats, Lady Chow Kitchen
• Manhattan: Justino's Pizzeria, Ray's Pizza, BarIL, SoleSapoara Restaurant, The Chubby Crab
• Queens: Blaze 718
• Rochester: Lakeside Haven Family Restaurant, Pomodoro Pizza, Wings & Pasta, Gregorio's Pizza, Nin's Restaurant

North Carolina

Does not participate in RMP

North Dakota

Does not participate in RMP

Ohio

Does not participate in RMP

Oklahoma

Does not participate in RMP

Oregon

Does not participate in RMP

Pennsylvania

Does not participate in RMP

Rhode Island

• Cranston, Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Westerly: Subway restaurants

South Carolina

Does not participate in RMP

South Dakota

Does not participate in RMP

Tennessee

Does not participate in RMP

Texas

Does not participate in RMP

Utah

Does not participate in RMP

Vermont

Does not participate in RMP

Virginia

• Ararat: Red Rooster Cafe
• Newport News, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth: Subway restaurants
• Lynchburg: Asian Fusion, Bistro Bros Q Deli
• Richmond: Kokonut Grill

Washington

Does not participate in RMP

West Virginia

Does not participate in RMP

Wisconsin

Does not participate in RMP

Wyoming

Does not participate in RMP

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can you buy hot food with EBT?

In most cases, no. "Hot foods are [things like] rotisserie chicken, ready to eat soups, but also cold foods like salad bars that are ready to eat," explains Cheyne. "Normally, SNAP customers cannot purchase hot foods, unless there is an approved waiver following a disaster when it is assumed that you cannot cook groceries at home."

2. Can you use EBT on DoorDash?

EBT cards can be used to make purchases at specific stores through DoorDash. But EBT cards may not be used to cover the cost of hot meals.

"While individuals can use their SNAP benefits on DoorDash at grocery stores that accept EBT, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase meals from restaurants on DoorDash," explains Lewis.

SNAP/EBT benefits can cover the cost of purchases made through DoorDash at some 7-Eleven locations, as well as at a variety of grocery stores including such well-known grocers as Albertsons, ALDI, FoodLion, Hannaford, Safeway, Smart & Final, Stater Brothers, Star Market, Vons and other stores.

3. Can you use EBT at fast food restaurants?

Yes, if you are one of the nine states that offer the RMP, eligible individuals may use their EBT cards to purchase meals at select fast food restaurants. However, while many fast food restaurants accept EBT, the specific level of participation may vary by state. Here's a closer look at popular fast food restaurants and their EBT participation.

• McDonalds: McDonald's participates at select locations. Its level of participation varies by state.
• Subway: Subway participates in the RMP. However, acceptance of EBT may vary by restaurant.
• Chipotle
• Jack in the Box: Jack in the Box participates in the RMP at select locations. Check your local RMP directory.
• Wendy's: Wendy's participates in the RMP. However, its participation is limited to locations in California.
• Taco Bell: Taco Bell participates in the RMP in limited locations.
• Popeyes: Popeyes participates in the RMP in limited locations.

Conclusion

The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) provides a critical path to access nutritious meals for those who would otherwise have limited options to use their SNAP benefits. The program makes it possible to use EBT cards to pay for hot meals at participating restaurants. If you have questions about managing your SNAP benefits, the Propel app can help you. It's the #1 rated EBT balance checking app and we also work hard to compile the most useful benefits information to keep you up to date.