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These Fast Food Restaurants accept EBT!

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Fast food restaurants that accept EBT?! It’s true, folks. This is fresh from the fact-checker! If you’ve ever wondered if you can use your EBT benefits at fast food restaurants, the answer is yes… but only in certain circumstances.

Don’t forget you can also get free admission, discounted Internet, cheap Amazon Prime memberships and more with your EBT card!

Since the option to offer a Restaurant Meal Program is left to the states, we’ve researched each state to find out if YOU can use your food stamps at local restaurants!

fast food restaurants that accept ebt near me

“What restaurants accept EBT near me?”

Papa Murphy’s accepts EBT in all states! Most take-and-bake pizzerias accept EBT. They don’t actually count as “restaurants” because you have to take the food home to cook it!

Alabama doesn’t offer the Restaurant Meals Program but they DO offer free U-Pick Strawberry farms, $5 spay/neuter pet surgeries and more! 

Alaska offers museum discounts, dollar doubling programs at Farmer’s Markets and more… but no Restaurant Meals Program. 🙁

Arizona allows disabled, elderly and homeless SNAP recipients to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.

As of June 2018, eligible clients can use your SNAP benefits at the following fast food restaurants that accept EBT in Arizona:

  • 24th st Pizza & Gyros (Phoenix only)
  • Blimpie (Phoenix only)
  • Burger Shoppe (Phoenix only)
  • CiCi’s Pizza (Phoenix only)
  • Dairy Queen
  • Denny’s
  • Dominos Pizza
  • Eegees
  • El Pollo Loco
  • Fat Sub (Lake Havasu City)
  • Firehouse Subs
  • Firestone Subs (Maricopa)
  • Golden Corral
  • Harris and Smith Coffee Company (Ajo only)
  • Helpings Cafe and Market (Phoenix only)
  • Jack in the Box
  • Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
  • KFC
  • Moon Light Family Restaurant (Phoenix only)
  • Papa Johns Pizza (Casa Grande only)
  • Rally’s Hamburgers (Yuma only)
  • Smoke Dem Bones BBQ (Phoenix only)
  • Speedy Street Tacos Corp (Phoenix only)
  • Subway
  • Taco Bell
  • Tasty Box (Phoenix only)
  • Uncle Sams
  • WaBa Grill

In order to qualify, every member of the household must meet ONE of the following requirements. Not all household members have to meet the same requirement.

  • Age 60+
  • Homeless (does not have a fixed/regular nighttime residence)
  • Disabled (receiving Social Security, Railroad Retirement benefits, VA or other disability payments)

Arkansas allows you to use food stamps at farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, but not restaurants. 

California offers the Restaurant Meals Program in many different counties! Each county makes their own rules but you can find a county-by-county list of restaurants that accept EBT in California by clicking here!

Restaurants that accept EBT include:

  • Burger King
  • Carl’s Jr.
  • Church’s Chicken
  • Del Taco
  • Denny’s
  • Domino’s Pizza
  • Great Steaks
  • Jamba Juice
  • KFC
  • Pizza Hut
  • Subway
  • Wienerschnitzel
  • Click here for the rest!

Colorado offers some amazing discounts on museum admission (including a $10 per YEAR family membership to WOW! Children’s Museum) and other benefits… but no Restaurant Meals Program.

Connecticut offers free and cheap museum admission deals and other benefits… but they do not offer the Restaurant Meals Program.

Delaware will give you a State Parks Pass for $10, pro bono legal services and other discounted memberships… but no fast food with your EBT card.

Florida offers a limited version of the Restaurant Meals Program. This program is only available to the homeless residents of Alachua county.

Qualifying SNAP recipients can use their benefits at the following fast food restaurants that accept EBT in Alachua County:

  • KFC
  • Pizza Hut
  • Taco Bell

Georgia invites you to explore free museums, enjoy organic food deliveries and more… but the state does not offer a Restaurant Meals Program.

Hawaii allows disabled, homeless or elderly SNAP recipients and their spouses can use their benefits at fast food restaurants that accept EBT. Information about this program is incredibly limited. I was only able to find a reference to it in this Hawaii.gov  document. 

Idaho does not offer a Restaurant Meals Program but they do offer other benefits, like discounted spay/neuter service, weatherization assistance and discounted museum programs!

Illinois invites you to explore Shedd Aquarium (FREE), Adler Planetarium ($1/person) and dozens of other venues for free or very cheap… but they don’t let you buy fast food with your EBT card.

Indiana offers lots of museum discounts, discounted YMCA memberships and more… but no Restaurant Meals Program.

Iowa ended their Restaurant Meals Program in February 2001. However, you can still get huge museum discounts, dollar-doubling at farmer’s markets and maybe even  free hunting/fishing licenses!

Kansas will double your dollars at farmer’s markets, provide recreation scholarships and more… but no fast food with your EBT card. 

Kentucky doesn’t offer the Restaurant Meals Program but they do have a discounted museum!

Louisiana doesn’t offer the Restaurant Meals Program but they do offer museum discounts, CSA coop discounts and more!

Maine offers museum discounts, free farmer’s market produce and more to EBT card holders… but they don’t let you use your EBT card at restaurants. 

Maryland will give you discounted admission to three museums, double your money at farmer’s markets and more… but no restaurants with your EBT card. 

Massachusetts has some excellent programs for EBT recipients! You can get discounts at over a dozen museums, participate in the Healthy Incentives Program and more! Unfortunately, they do not offer a Restaraunt Meals Program.

Michigan  has, unfortunately, discontinued their Restaurant Meals Program. Although you can no longer buy Church’s Chicken, McDonald’s or Mr. T’s BBQ with EBT, you can still get more than 10 museum discounts (including FREE memberships to Great Lake’s Children’s Museum) and more!

Minnesota offers great museum discounts, discounted YMCA membership and more… but no restaurant programs.

Mississippi doesn’t participate in the RMP but they do offer museum discounts and other benefits.

Missouri will allow you to take free college classes but they won’t let you spend your food stamps at restaurants.

Montana will double your money at community farms, provide museum discounts and more… but they do not participate in RMP.

Nebraska offers sliding-scale medical and dental services, free museum memberships and more! Hoewever, they do not participate in any restaurant programs.

Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services states,

“SNAP benefits can be used by the elderly and their spouses, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and their spouses, and homeless households to purchase meals at approved restaurants, congregate eating sites, and from meals on wheels.”

However, we have not been able to find a complete list of restaurants that accept EBT in Nevada. 

New Hampshire can help you save money on your power bill, provide discount veterinary care and more… but they don’t participate in any RMP programs.

New Jersey can help EBT cardholders take care of their pets cheaper… but they won’t let you spend those food stamps dollars at restaurants.

New Mexico provides free museum memberships, double up food dollars programs and more… but no restaurant meals programs.

New York has some absolutely unbelievable benefits for EBT cardholders… but they still won’t let you spend your food stamps dollars at restaurants.

North Carolina get free fishing licences and discounted museum entry… but NC doesn’t offer an RMP program.

North Dakota offers help with prescriptions, energy costs and more… but they won’t let you buy restaurant meals with that EBT card.

Ohio offers discounts at nearly a dozen museums, YMCA discounts and more… but no RMP.

Oklahoma offers other EBT benefits but no fast food or restaurant purchases.

Oregon has some of the best EBT benefits we’ve found. They’ll even let you book concert tickets for $5! however, they still won’t let you use your food stamps at restaurants.

Pennsylvania offers EBT cardholders dozens of museum discounts. They even have discounts for minigolf and carousels! Unfortunately, they still won’t let you buy restaurant meals with your food stamps card. 

Rhode Island residents who are age 60+, disabled or homeless (living in a shelter, halfway house, or even staying temporarily with someone else) can use their EBT benefits at certain participating restaurants.

In 2017, the list of Rhode Island restaurants that accept EBT include:

South Carolina offers $2 tickets to the Philharmonic, museum discounts and other deals… but no restaurant meals program.

South Dakota offers museum discounts, free u-pick strawberries and potentially even property tax discounts for EBT cardholders! Unfortunately, they do not authorize restaurant purchases for food stamps.

Tennessee offers some great deals with your EBT card, including a $25 per year family membership to Adventure Science Center in Nashville! However, they won’t let you use your food stamps to buy food at restaurants.

Texas  offers discounts at Houston Zoo and five other venues with your EBT card. Although they have other perks, they do not offer a RMP.

Utah doesn’t offer a Restaurant Meals Program but they do offer museum discounts and other perks to those with EBT cards!

Vermont offers seasonal fuel assistance and other benefits to those with EBT cards… but they do not have a restaurant meals program.

Virginia has a lot of different programs for EBT recipients but they don’t authorize restaurant purchases.

Washington has many discounted museums. Take-and-bake restaurants like Leonardi’s and Figaro’s will bake your pizzas for you for an extra non-EBT dollar. However, no other restaurants are authorized.

West Virginia EBT cardholders can visit Spark! Imagination and Science Center for FREE and enjoy other benefits… but they can’t buy food at restaurants.

Wisconsin has great museum discounts, CSA programs and other deals… but no RMP.

Wyoming has some epic farmer’s markets programs that will double your money and even give your children free money to spend! However, they don’t have RMP.

fast food restaurants that accept ebt near me

What is the purpose of the Restaurant Meals Program? 

Aaron Lavalllee, communications coordinator for the USDA Office of Communications, wrote:

(The) Restaurant Meal Program has been an option for states — state run, state contracted, state administered — since the 1977 Food Stamp Act. The decision to establish a restaurant meal program is made entirely at the state level.

Most importantly, the ONLY people who qualify are the elderly, disabled, and homeless, as this provision is intended to assist people who are unable to prepare meals at home or in a traditional kitchen setting. This key fact and requirement of the law is mentioned nowhere in your article and we can both agree that with that clarification this story changes drastically.

Since 1977 the decision to establish a restaurant meal program has been made by only a handful of states and because of this participation is very low.

How can I bring this program to my area?

If you would like to see the Restaurant Meals Program enacted in your area, contact your local lawmakers! You can easily find your elected officials on USA.gov. As we said before, this option has been available to states since 1977 but is very rarely used.

To help you, we’ve drafted a sample message below. You can copy and paste it, if you’d like – just be sure to change the names!

Dear [Elected Official],

Since 1977, the federal Food Stamp Act has given states the ability to enact the Restaurant Meals Program. This program allows vulnerable and at-risk populations, such as the homeless and elderly, who cannot cook meals for themselves at home. Through this program, these specific, qualifying individuals are allowed to use their food benefits to purchase affordable meals at select restaurants such as Subway. For more information about this program, you can visit LowIncomeRelief.com (https://lowincomerelief.com/fast-food-restaurants-ebt/).

This program has been successfully adopted in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, and Rhode Island. However, it is not yet available in our state.

Please take action to introduce the Restaurant Meals Program in our state.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Keep me posted about any responses you receive! I’d love to see this program rolled out to other states where it can help those who need it! 🙂

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. When you get allotted food stamps for a certain amount each month on your EBT card….it really is up o you how you spend it. For example, if you get $ 150. for the month and go to a fancy store and buy some sirloin steaks , two big lobster tails and a box of jumbo butterfly shrimp with your allowance and spend it all…that is your choice ! You will not be getting more money on the card until the following month. If you are smart and necessity dictates you shop more wisely and economically, you can buy things on sale, go to dollar stores and purchase more inexpensive things like breads, eggs, pasta, rice and hot dogs, etc. I do not think nice chain restaurants like Outback, Olive Garden or Chili’s should accept EBT food stamps, because a meal for two there can easily run $ 50.00 minimum and that is too extravagant for people on public assistance, in my opinion. You want to eat out there….pay for it with your own cash ! However, fast food chains like Burger King, KFC and McDonald’s offer value meals for $ 5.00 or less and sometimes people do not have time to cook at home and need a little break, too. This to me is acceptable to be permitted with EBT cards and not outrageous, as long as recipients do it only occasionally. However, once again, this is their choice !

    Reply

  6. Hi, Mama June! I agree that the government can and should limit where EBT cards can be spent. However, the federal government authorized the Restaurant Meals Program, so they have already authorized certain people to use their EBT at Popeye’s and the other restaurants on this list.

    Reply

    • Cheistine their opinions should not sway yours. Besides, the government already decided to implement it. Them getting their panties in a bunch won’t stop it.

      Reply

    • It’s my understanding that it has been successful but I don’t have any statistics or data on the matter. It’s actually very hard to find information about these programs so I’d recommend calling the participating state agencies for details.

      Reply

  10. Nicole
    Do you know of any way to find out from EBT data of the number of EBT purchases by convenience store? I guess in Jan EBT will go away for Foodservice purchases there. 🙁

    Reply

  11. Hi Nicole,
    Wouldnt it be wise to extend your research a bit further and compare food programs of US to Norway,Denmark etc( at least Top 3 welfare natiions who take care of their own extremely well and if they restrict spending to few options ) ?

    Reply

    • That would be awesome! I’m overwhelmed with the amount of research on my to-do list but I’ll definitely consider working on that when I get the chance. Thanks, AB!

      Reply

      • A cold cup of coffee on a cold day is no good to the homeless or anyone else. Even though the “Homeless or those in transition may not have assess to a stove, they still deserve a good hot meal and a decent safe place to lay their heads. Use of the EBT CARD even if regulated should afford those with one to purchase a hot meal or hot drink. I think this issue need some serious consideration. It may even cut down on the begging that no one really enjoys.

        Reply

    • This list is not really completely correct. For instance, in Nevada you can use your Food Stamp card at virtually any fast food type restaurant and for any hot pre-made food.
      The homeless after all, don’t have stoves or refrigerators or any way to cook.
      And you don’t have to apply for some special waiver, all Food Stamps recipients can use it this way.

      Reply

      • Christine,
        From the DWSS Website:

        “SNAP benefits can be used by the elderly and their spouses, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and their spouses, and homeless households to purchase meals at approved restaurants, congregate eating sites, and from meals on wheels.”

        So it doesn’t look like just everyone can use it at any restaurant. Although, I haven’t yet been able to find an “approved restaurant” list. If you find info to the contrary, please let me know, cite your source, and we will be happy to update. Thanks!
        -Riley

        Reply

  14. Is there any fast food or diners in the Allentown / Lehigh Valley area of P.A. that takes the EBT card under this program ?

    Reply

  15. I met one of the requirements my husband and daughter dont. We dont have the restaurant option with ours. Were in Arizona, but yet i know people abusing the system that does. This upsets me cause a treat once in a while would be nice. Yet i have to listen to a couple living together that frauds the system brag about how they go to all these different places on the government money 🙁

    Reply

  18. So hey listen, this website is great btw. So I live in the Philadelphia area. Many urban food spots, for example a spot that cooks and sells u ur seafood. What these places are now starting to do is put up big signs saying “now accepting ebt”. How u ask? They are still selling u the frozen seafood and “offering” to cook for u free as a “service” to their customers. THIS IS COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY LEGAL IF A BUSINESS DECIDES TO OFFER THE COOKING OF GUESTS FOOD AS A FREE SERVICE. And again, this is doable at places that sell frozen seafood or frozen anything and can sell it to their customers. It’s a win for the business and a win for the patrons using ebt. Because yes, even ebt users deserve a hot delicious meal sometimes and why not have it healthier than McDonald’s or Popeye’s whose food in the end will only create illnesses in us that the same government will eventually have to pay more for in medical assiaitence programs.

    I say ebt or not, people entirely, especially the disadvantaged, should have access to HEALTHY FOOD. Farmer’s markets. Not occasional once a year checks. No one EVER talks about that. Health in this country is deplorable even if u look at the statistics among minority communties, the urban areas, and among even our children regardless of community. Obesity is very real.

    What we need is healthier food options in the communities that need it the most. Food desserts in America should be a thing of the past. There should be more vegetable and fruit options to change the health of this nation. There should be more healthy supermarkets and they shouldn’t just be in the expensive tree lined “good” neighborhoods. All people should have access. Everyone. Our school meals should offer real cooked food like they do in other countries as opposed to pre-packaged crap laden with unpronounceable chemical ingredients that still will lead us to being sick yet they still serve our kids pizza and French fries and then we wonder why there is a prevalence of diabetes and hypertension???

    But back to the ebt issue, I believe that even the homeless should have healthier food options. Why not? Their living conditions are already compromised and their health could be on a slippery slope and then we give them McDonald’s as an option to sustain them??? We are so a$$ backwards in this country it’s ridiculous. And sadly under this presidency programs like this will only get worse, become increasingly underfunded and fall by that wayside all together. This man wants a prepackaged food program!!?? Prepacked food means preservatives!! Bad for u!! Prepacked foods means canned goods!! More of what’s bad for us. How about some REAL FOOD??? Real fruits and vegetables…staples more and more Americans clearly need as part of their diets.

    We need change. Fast and for the better in order to change the bad health landscape in this nation of ours. Real food, good food, healthy food for EVERYONE.

    Reply

    • I agree with you 100%. As a person only getting ebt food assistance, not “cash” assistance, it is very important to be able to purchase healthy food. I got rid of the preservatives, sodium, chemicals, etc…in my diet. As a diabetic, this was a very good thing. But difficult with no incoming income. Thank god for a few good food pantrys, sales and being able to grow some of my own food. I also got in to wild edibles.

      Reply

      • Healthy food is SO important – and expensive! I’m glad you’ve found solutions and ways to make your budget work with your dietary needs, Colleen. That’s very impressive! I’d love to learn more about these wild edibles. That sounds like something that could be very useful to our audience. I’m going to have to look into that!

        Reply

  20. With a UT EBT card you can purchase anything from Papa Murphy’s take and bake as all items are not hot foods, but cold prepared items to take home.

    Reply

  22. I think what you are doing is great. This is information that I didn’t know about. I live in a state that doesn’t have the RMP program, I am going to try to work on getting that program enacted in my state. Again thank you for what you are doing.

    Reply

  23. FYI – No Taco Bell in Tucson, Arizona accepts EBT or food stamps – just thought you would like to know. Thanks for all your hard work in running this site!

    Reply

  24. Hi I have a question I live in California and iam wondering were do they accept ebt food in what restaurants

    Reply

  25. I live in Athens, TN and I was wondering which restaurants accept EBT and is there any way that EBT can help get me a good reliable cheap vehicle?

    Reply

      • Hi, you guys for those of you thatwant to consider writing your state representative and to these at home meal delivery companies Home Chef and others that will offer food delivery and tell them to allow EBT card these advertise that they cost andwouldbe convienient for those that are homebound. Send them correspondence similar to this I wanted to support an effort that might be mutually benefial where if your company begins to take EBT for payment which ould need ro excluee cd shipping although if shipping costs reaches asoecified amount that might fall into a free shipping caragory. This would potentially benefit a lot iof individuals in whom are unable to leave their homes to get fresh to cook meals and given that your pieces might be equal or less to grocery stores and in a lot of individuals areas grocery delivery services will not deliver will your company consider adding EBT for an accepted form of payment.

        Reply

  28. In Colorado Papa Murphy’s take n bake takes EBT. So do starbucks locations (inside of grocery stores only, such as King Soopers or Safeway).

    Reply

  29. Sheetz

    If you get cold foods from MTO from Sheetz you can use your food card….I’ve gotten salads, sandwiches, subs, frozen coffee, etc. They are located in Ohio, PA, and a few other states I believe as well

    Reply

  30. I do hope that some places would accept ebt as a payment for hot food here in las vegas..I live in a center right now with my 5 kids although they provide dinner we need to find food for our breakfast and lunch it would be fine if they would let us cook inside the center but no we can’t we are also not allowed to bring outside food and for my kids who are used to home cooked meal every day it’s really hard seeing them eat pizza or burger from 7 11..all we have is our ebt and I can’t work or go out to often for security reason (I’ll be leaving the center soon ) but I do hope that many places would open for clients like us cause its really hard that sometimes others have no choice but to go back to the life that they’re trying to escape from because they don’t want there kids to have this situations

    Reply

    • Francisca,
      I am so sorry to hear about your circumstances. I hope you are safe. You could check with a social worker or try 211.org for more resources in your area.
      -Riley

      Reply

    • Try reaching out to a safe house specifically for women (and) children or local churches. They would be able to offer care/services better suited for your situation. The local police department, fire department or EMS can get you connected with a safe house. (They don’t publicize their info for safety measures)

      Reply

  31. I’m not sure if anyone mentioned this or not: Minnesota does let you purchase Papa Murphy’s pizza with your EBT card.

    Reply

  34. I know NC doesn’t participate in RSP, but you can but hot foods from grocery stores that have a deli/hot food area (i.e.: Ingall’s and Walmart).

    Reply

  35. How do you enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program in AZ and when you go to the restaurant, do you show some sort of ID or something that tells them you are part of the program? There is an Asian restaurant here that I found out took SNAP, so we tried it. It was just a handful of items off their menu (strange) and seemed like the more expensive ones. Didn’t quite make sense really.

    Reply

    • Chris,
      You’ll have to talk with your local caseworker to see if you qualify for the program.
      -Riley

      Reply

  36. I live in Washington State and confirm that Papa Murphy’s accepts EBT at every store here. But that’s the only “fast food” I’ve heard of where it’s accepted here. On the way to get my family 2 pizzas as I type this.

    Reply

    • Nick is G,
      I totally ate Papa Murphy’s tonight too! The Restaurant Meals Program is only offered in some states. Unfortunately, Washington doesn’t have much other than Take N Bake. You can read more about which states and which restaurants participate in the Restaurant Meals Program here. I hope you enjoy pizza night!
      -Riley

      Reply

  37. Hello Nicole,

    You guys may have gone over this in the earlier comments. But I was wondering why it is that I only see three fast food restaurants that accept
    the EBT cards.

    That are on the list for the State of Florida; “ONLY in the County of Alachua AND ONLY For The Homeless”..

    Will other Florida’s Counties; Stores and Restaurants be accepted or added to the EBT SNAP Program..?? Will the Fast Food Restaurant list be expanded in the State of Florida for OTHER people who are on the Food Assistance Program OTHER than; JUST the Homeless Residents of Alachua County in the State of Florida..???

    Thanking you in advance for your answers to my questions…

    Carlven …

    Reply

    • Carlven,
      This was all the information we were able to find at this point. You could reach out to your local DHS to find out if they have any plans to expand this program in the future.
      -Riley

      Reply

  39. I love what your doing here, but maybe we could change the title because we thought it literally meant everywhere was now accepting ebt in restaurants now…maybe more state restaurants are now accepting ebt and hopefully all states here pretty soon will take ebt in most restaurants. Which would be awesome but it still looks like most states have very limited restaurant use if any but if your hungry as hell or thirsty you can definitely visit a museum for free or at a discount! HA!!!! Sorry just a little irritated I actually live in Alabama now, not originally but long enough. I went from living in California for 25 years where we were first tti do everything good and sometimes bad but now live in Alabama where were friggin 5 to 10 years behind everything and I mean everything, wtf no lottery, they just stopped smoking in restaurants, they drive like their in a third world country here I mean whhewww!! A page outta the history books man! Some people here still think they won the civil war, lmao!! But thanks for what your doing here though its good stuff, will be checking back in, Mike L.

    Reply

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