Are you aware that some restaurants are able to process EBT? That’s right—any restaurants across the nation accept SNAP benefits or food stamp benefits. The catch is that some of these restaurants accept EBT payment from all SNAP recipients, while others can only accept EBT benefits if they participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. The Restaurant Meals Program is the national food assistance law that allows eligible individuals to use their food stamp benefits for restaurant meals.
🔔NOTE: Not approved for food stamps yet? No problem! Check out our free guide here for how to apply & get approved for SNAP benefits.
In this article, we'll walk you through how to locate participating restaurants that accept EBT in your state.
Don't overlook the fact that an EBT card can also give you discounts on a wide range of other services as well—from zoo tickets to Amazon Prime.
Restaurants That Accept EBT Payment from Everyone
Most restaurants that process EBT payments do so as part of the Restaurant Meals Program, but a few exceptions exist. These places accept SNAP EBT from all eligible cardholders.
🍕Papa Murphy's
Buy take-and-bake pizzas and more using food stamp benefits. Take-and-bake pizza is sold cold, so it's similar to buying a frozen pizza from a grocery store. All food items at Papa Murphy are EBT eligible.
Location: There are more than 1,150 Papa Murphy locations in the United States that accept EBT benefits.
Ordering: Order by phone, online, or in-store. If ordering online, you’ll need to pay in-store with your EBT card when picking up your meal.
☕️Starbucks
Certain Starbucks cafes inside grocery stores will sometimes accept EBT as payment. According to a Starbucks representative, company-operated Starbucks stores do not accept SNAP benefits, but some licensed locations, particularly those in grocery stores, might.
Always ask before placing an order, as several Starbucks locations have updated their registers systems to prohibit EBT payments.
What's Eligible: Some Starbucks locations may allow EBT payment for cold food and iced drinks.
Location: Several licensed Starbucks stores in grocery stores accept EBT, while company-owned locations do not.
Ordering: Always confirm before ordering to avoid payment issues. If the location does accept EBT, they will inform you which restaurant food items and drinks are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
🌭7-11
You can use your EBT card to purchase a range of eligible food items at 7-11 convenience stores in accordance with SNAP guidelines. This includes basics like bread, milk, fruits, and vegetables, as well as packaged goods such as canned items and snacks. Interestingly, you can also buy “take and bake” pizzas and similar foods that require further preparation at home. These items are considered eligible because they aren't hot or prepared for immediate consumption in the store.
What's Eligible: Food items that are cold at the time of purchase—like take-and-bake pizzas—are eligible for EBT payment.
Location: Acceptance can vary by state and even by individual store. You can usually find this information by calling the store directly or checking the store's listing on the SNAP retailer locator website.
Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program allows certain EBT cardholders to buy hot food from participating restaurants. It is part of the Food Stamps Act. However, each state can choose whether they want to opt into the Restaurant Meals Program as part of their, and most have chosen not to.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), EBT cards can't be used for hot food or meals at restaurants unless the state takes part in the Restaurant Meals Program aimed at serving the disabled, elderly, or homeless.
Eligibility for the Restaurant Meals Program typically requires that you can't prepare your own food at home due to being disabled, elderly, or homeless. According to USDA Communications Coordinator Aaron Lavallee, the program has been state-run since its inception in 1977. However, only a limited number of states have chosen to create a restaurant meals program, making participation low.
For those who are eligible and reside in an area where the program is active, the Restaurant Meals Program can significantly improve their daily lives.
🔥 Hot Tip: Did you know that the Restaurant Meals Program can significantly improve daily life for those who qualify? If you're disabled, elderly, or homeless, this program allows you to use your SNAP benefits to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals. Make sure to check if your state participates in the program to take advantage of this benefit.
Which Restaurants Accept EBT?
More than 500 restaurants accept EBT exist nationwide. The list includes local businesses, food trucks, and major fast food chains.
Here's a list of well-known fast food restaurants that can process EBT at select locations:
- Arby's
- Burger King
- Carl's Jr.
- Dairy Queen
- Del Taco
- Denny's
- Dickey's BBQ Pit
- Domino's Pizza
- El Pollo Loco
- Firehouse Subs
- Jack in the Box
- KFC
- Little Caesar's Pizza
- McDonald's
- Panda Express
- Papa John's
- Pizza Hut
- Popeye's
- Rally's Hamburger
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy's
- Wing Stop
It's important to note that not all locations accept SNAP benefits. Eligible locations are part of the Restaurant Meals Program, which is only offered in select states, and is sometimes even limited to certain counties. Each restaurant location must receive approval to accept EBT payments for restaurant meals.
📸 Lifestyle Snapshot: Meet Sarah, a single mom balancing two jobs while taking night classes. She's a SNAP recipient and, until recently, wasn't aware that some restaurants accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program. One evening, her daughter fell ill and Sarah had to rush her to the hospital, missing her opportunity to prepare dinner. Hungry and exhausted, she remembered reading about the Restaurant Meals Program and quickly checked her state's list of participating restaurants. To her relief, a nearby Subway was on the list. Using her EBT card, she was able to get a nutritious meal for herself and her daughter, without adding financial stress to an already challenging night. This program turned a difficult situation into a manageable one, allowing Sarah to focus on her daughter's health instead of worrying about their next meal.
Which States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
While some fast food places with a nationwide presence accept EBT for restaurant meals, most participating restaurants are in certain states.
States involved in the Restaurant Meals Program are:
- Arizona
- California
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Even within these states, only certain restaurants and regions have the approval to handle EBT payments. The program's reach is quite limited.
Arizona
Arizona has been a long-term participant in the Restaurant Meals Program, and has an organized program in place. In addition, Arizona EBT cardholders can double their benefits at farmer's markets and save money through EBT discount programs. The state has more than 300 food establishments that can process EBT payments, including many well-known chain restaurants. However, not all locations are authorized to accept EBT for restaurant meals. Always check the list of restaurants that participate in the program before you go.
California
California has been a part of the Restaurant Meals Program for many years. The program was previously run on a regional level, but has now been authorized across the entire state. California EBT cardholders can also access numerous discounts—including discounted admission to multiple museums. More than 200 restaurants in California accept EBT payments.
It’s important to note that not all restaurant chain locations are set up to handle EBT payments. For example, as of 2023, only one Arby’s restaurant in the United States can process EBT payments.
Hawaii
Hawaii authorized the Restaurant Meals Program in March 1993 and later updated it in 1996 and 2013. The law specifies that people 60 and older, as well as disabled people receiving specific Social Security payments, can use SNAP benefits to buy meals at restaurants.
Restaurants that participate must agree to follow state guidelines, which may include limitations on hours for using EBT payments.
As of 2023, Hawaii has not released a list of restaurants participating in the program.
Illinois
Illinois initiated its Restaurant Meals Program in Spring 2022. The program is in its early stages, and is currently restricted to specific Chicago zip codes. As of January 3, 2023, Illinois has six restaurants where you can use your SNAP benefits.
Maryland
In 2020, Maryland launched its Restaurant Meals Program. The program is currently in its pilot phase, meaning it's under evaluation in a limited area. If successful, the program could expand to cover more regions within the state.
As of September 2023, Maryland only has one restaurant that accepts EBT payments, which is the 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant in Lusby, MD.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts kicked off their pilot Restaurant Meals Program in late 2023. The program currently has 27 participating food trucks and restaurants, the vast majority of which are local small businesses.
Michigan
Michigan has a fluctuating history with the Restaurant Meals Program. The state has introduced, ended, and reintroduced the program. As it stands, it seems like it’s back for good.
As of 2023, Michigan has 14 restaurants that can process EBT payments. Most restaurants are local to the state, though McDonald’s does have four locations enrolled in the program.
Nevada
Nevada's Division of Welfare and Supportive Services briefly acknowledges the Restaurant Meals Program on its website, but provides no further details. The program's status and the number of participating restaurants remain unknown.
The state agency states that older adults, their spouses, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and homeless households can use SNAP benefits to buy meals at approved restaurants.
New York
New York initiated its Restaurant Meals Program on October 4, 2021. Unfortunately, information about the program is limited as it’s still in the process of being set up.
The state has not published a list of participating restaurants as of September 2023.
Rhode Island
Like many other states, Rhode Island's Restaurant Meals Program caters to the disabled, elderly, and homeless. The state has a unique definition of homelessness, which includes those without a stable place to sleep at night. This broad definition includes people in shelters, halfway houses, and even those temporarily staying with others.
In Rhode Island, EBT is accepted at 10 Subway locations and Federal Hill Pizza Restaurant. Look for the “fork and knife” logo in restaurant windows to find participating locations.
Virginia
Virginia appears on the federal USDA's list as a state that runs a Restaurant Meals Program. However, no further details are available on the state's official website.
How to Find Restaurants that Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program
To find restaurants that accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program, you can start by checking the official website of your state's SNAP program. They often provide a list of participating restaurants or a locator tool. If the information isn't available online, you can contact your local SNAP office for a list of eligible restaurants.
Another option is to look for an EBT logo or sticker displayed at the restaurant entrance, indicating they accept EBT as payment. Some third-party websites and apps also compile lists of EBT-accepting restaurants, but it's a good idea to cross-reference this information with official sources to ensure accuracy.
States That Do Not Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program
As of January 3, 2023, the states listed below have opted not to implement the Restaurant Meals Program. Despite this, many of them do offer other EBT benefit discounts and programs.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa (program ended in February 2001)
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
4 Benefits of the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program offers a valuable extension to the standard SNAP benefits, addressing gaps in food accessibility for specific vulnerable groups. Typically available to the elderly, disabled, and homeless populations, this program provides a means to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. The advantages of this option are manifold.
1. Increased Access to Nutritious Meals
One of the primary benefits is that it broadens the range of nutritious meal options for those who may not have the facilities or ability to cook. People who are homeless, for example, often lack access to a kitchen. Similarly, the elderly and disabled may find cooking a daily meal physically challenging. The Restaurant Meals Program provides an alternative way to obtain balanced, hot meals.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
The program also offers convenience. Those who are eligible can choose from a variety of participating restaurants, depending on their preferences and dietary needs. This allows for greater flexibility in meal choices and can be especially beneficial for those with dietary restrictions.
3. Social Engagement
In addition to nutritional benefits, dining in a restaurant setting offers social advantages. The elderly and disabled often face isolation; a meal out can be an opportunity for social interaction, boosting mental health and overall well-being.
4. Filling the Gaps
Lastly, the Restaurant Meals Program fills gaps in existing food aid networks. Food banks and soup kitchens do important work but may have limited hours or locations. This program adds another layer of food accessibility, operating alongside traditional SNAP benefits.
How Can I Get Restaurants in My Area to Accept EBT?
If your state hasn't adopted the Restaurant Meals Program, you can advocate for its implementation by contacting your elected representatives. Gathering community support can also help sway lawmakers' opinions. Here's how to get started:
- Find the contact details for your state senators and representatives on Congress.gov using the State Legislatures tool. Because the Restaurant Meals Program has federal approval, you want to focus on contacting state representatives.
- Reach out to these officials via phone, letter, or email. To stay on topic, it may help to use a letter template.
Sample Letter:
Dear [Official's Name],
The federal Food Stamp Act of 1977 allows states to implement the Restaurant Meals Program. This program helps vulnerable groups, like the elderly and homeless, who may not have the means to prepare meals at home. Participants can use their SNAP benefits to buy meals at certain approved restaurants, including restaurants like Subway.
I urge you to consider implementing this valuable program in [STATE].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Be sure to personalize the message by inserting your name, state, and the name of the official you are addressing.
EBT Restaurant Meals Program FAQs
Many believe that SNAP benefits can't be spent on hot, prepared food, and generally, that's true. So, it's not surprising that this lesser-known program raises a lot of questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions include:
Can SNAP EBT be used in Restaurants?
If you live in a state that takes part in the Restaurant Meals Program, you can use your SNAP EBT benefits at certain restaurants.
Do I need a Separate EBT Card for Restaurants?
No, the EBT card you use for grocery shopping is the same card you'll use for the Restaurant Meals Program. If you qualify, your case manager will activate your card for use at approved restaurants.
Is Paying with EBT at Restaurants Legal?
Yes; federal legislation has approved use of EBT as payment in restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program since 1977. While the program isn't accessible to everyone, it is lawful for a qualified EBT cardholder to buy meals from a participating restaurant.
Can I Use My EBT Card at Restaurants in Other States?
No, the Restaurant Meals Program operates on a state-by-state basis. You can only buy meals from restaurants approved by your own state. Using EBT from another state won't work for this program, even though you can shop at grocery stores across state lines.
Is Sales Tax Charged for EBT Meals?
No, restaurants cannot add sales tax to your bill when you pay with an EBT card. Always check your receipts. If you notice a sales tax charge, try to resolve it with the restaurant. If that doesn't work, call the phone number on your EBT card to file a dispute.
Can I Buy Hot Food at Restaurants with EBT?
The ability to buy hot food at restaurants with an EBT card depends on the state you live in and the specific program options it offers. Some states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows certain eligible groups, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless, to use their EBT cards to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. However, most states restrict EBT use to grocery stores and similar retailers where you can buy food to prepare at home. Always check your state's rules and the list of eligible restaurants if you're interested in using your EBT card for hot meals.
