The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is designed to help SNAP recipients who struggle to prepare their own meals or lack stable housing by enabling them to purchase prepared food at restaurants using their EBT card. But where can you actually use your EBT card for fast food? Let’s explore the details of the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program and identify fast food locations that accept EBT.
Finding restaurants that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program can be done in several ways. Many participating states offer online RMP restaurant locator maps or lists on their official websites. Additionally, restaurants accepting EBT under this program usually display a sign indicating their participation.
Keep an eye out for signs that say “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program,” often accompanied by a fork and knife symbol, typically found in windows, doors, or near cash registers. These restaurants are required to provide discounted meal options for SNAP participants. You can also contact your local SNAP office for a list of participating restaurants in your area.
Currently, the Restaurant Meals Program is active in nine states that have chosen to implement it. Not all states participate in this program.
Here’s a state-by-state overview of some restaurants participating in the RMP, which includes fast food options, confirming they accept EBT in this context.
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, McDonald’s, Subway
- Flagstaff: Burger King, Subway
- Mesa: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Subway
- Phoenix: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Dairy Queen, El Pollo Loco, Jack n’ the Box, McDonald’s, Subway
- Tucson: Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Del Taco, McDonald’s, Subway, Wendy’s
Arkansas
Does not participate in RMP
California
- San Franciso: Carl’s Jr, Subway
- Los Angeles: Subway, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut
- Riverside: McDonald’s, Subway, Del Taco, Denny’s
- San Diego: 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: JJ Fish and Chicken
- Franklin County: 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
- Carroll County: Burger King
- Montgomery County: Burger King
- Prince George’s County: KFC
- Anne Arundel County: KFC
- Calvert County: KFC
- Charles County: KFC
- Frederick County: KFC
Massachusetts
- Boston: Fresh Food Generation
- Worcester: New Wine Pizza
Michigan
- Detroit: Subway
- Dearborn: Del Taco
- Grand Rapids: Popeye’s
- Lansing: Crack Chicken
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 Jersey
Does not participate in RMP
New Mexico
Does not participate in RMP
New York
- Brooklyn: IHOP
- Manhattan: Ray’s Pizza
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
- Statewide (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
- Statewide: KFC, Taco Bell (participating locations)
- Newport News, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth: Subway restaurants
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
For those in states with the RMP, EBT cards can be used at certain fast food restaurants. Participation varies, but here’s a breakdown of common fast food chains and their involvement in the RMP:
- McDonald’s: Select locations participate, varying by state.
- Subway: Participates in the RMP, but EBT acceptance can differ by location.
- Jack in the Box: Participates at select locations; check local RMP directories.
- KFC: Accepts EBT in specific states and locations.
- Wendy’s: Participation mainly in California locations.
- Taco Bell: Limited participation in the RMP.
- Popeyes: Limited participation in the RMP.
When using your EBT card at a participating restaurant, you can generally order any meal from the menu. It’s important to remember that the RMP is specifically for restaurant purchases and doesn’t extend to hot food items in regular grocery stores unless explicitly part of the program.
Using your EBT card at RMP restaurants is similar to using a debit card. Your card is coded for RMP acceptance at participating locations. Simply present your EBT card at payment, enter your PIN, and ensure you have sufficient funds. Cards of non-eligible SNAP beneficiaries will be declined at RMP restaurants.
Individuals eligible for Restaurant Meals Program including disabled, seniors, unhoused, and spouses of SNAP recipients using EBT
Eligibility for the Restaurant Meals Program is not for all SNAP recipients. It’s an additional option for those at high risk of chronic hunger. Qualifying individuals typically include:
- Seniors aged 60 or older
- Individuals with disabilities receiving disability payments or benefits
- Unhoused individuals
- Spouses of SNAP recipients meeting the above criteria
The RMP serves as a crucial resource for vulnerable populations who may struggle to use traditional SNAP benefits due to challenges in purchasing and preparing food. It’s designed to provide food access for those who cannot easily shop for groceries or cook at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I purchase hot food with EBT?
Generally, SNAP doesn’t cover hot, ready-to-eat foods, except under the Restaurant Meals Program or during disaster waivers.
2. Can I use EBT on DoorDash for restaurant meals?
No, while EBT can be used on DoorDash for grocery store purchases at participating locations, it cannot be used for restaurant meal delivery.
In summary, the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program is vital for providing nutritious meal options to vulnerable SNAP recipients through participating restaurants. For questions about managing your SNAP benefits, resources like the Propel app are available.
