Did you know that there some restaurants accept EBT in Maryland?! If you’re a SNAP recipient, you may be eligible to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals from select restaurants thanks to the Restaurant Meals Program.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this program, who qualifies for it, how it operates, and which restaurants are equipped to accept your SNAP transactions.
About the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program is a component of the federal food stamps law, but it’s not mandatory; states have the flexibility to decide whether or not to implement it. Several states, such as California and Arizona, have had programs like this for many years and have hundreds of participating restaurants.
In 2020, Maryland introduced its own Restaurant Meals Program in a pilot phase. This means the state initially tested it in a limited area to assess its suitability. Over the past few years, The Maryland Department of Human Services has actively been recruiting new restaurants to join this initiative.
Who is eligible?
The Restaurant Meals Program is only available to people who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and live in Maryland.
You also need to meet at least one of the following requirements:
- You must be at least 60 years old or the spouse of someone who is at least 60 years old. The state includes common-law spouses in this definition.
- You must be disabled or the spouse of a disabled person. If there is an able-bodied person other than the spouse in the household, you may not qualify.
- You must be experiencing homelessness.
The state will review your eligibility at every recertification. That means that if you were homeless but find stable housing, you will not be able to use the Restaurant Meals Program any more. These criteria are strictly enforced because this program is only intended to help people who cannot cook their own meals at home.
What does this program do?
The Restaurant Meals Program enables eligible SNAP recipients in Maryland to buy hot, prepared meals from participating EBT-accepting restaurants. Normally, SNAP benefits are reserved for grocery purchases, but this program offers an exception, allowing you to enjoy restaurant meals as well.
It’s important to keep in mind that this program doesn’t provide additional SNAP benefits, so you’ll need to manage your food expenses within your original budget allocation.
How does it work?
If you receive SNAP benefits and you’re eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program, your caseworker will enable the option to purchase restaurant meals. You can talk to your Eligibility Worker if you think you’re eligible and you didn’t receive a letter about this program.
Just take your EBT card to the restaurant and swipe it like you would at the grocery store. Remember that you can only purchase EBT-eligible food at the restaurant, so you still can’t purchase alcohol or non-food items through the Restaurant Meals Program.
Under this program, you won’t be subject to taxes or tipping when dining at a restaurant. It’s important to note that you cannot use your SNAP benefits for delivery orders, either.
These Restaurants Accept EBT in Maryland
There are currently 12 restaurants that accept EBT in Maryland through the Restaurant Meals Program. Most of them are Burger King locations, as described below.
Burger King
Burger King is a globally recognized fast-food giant, known for its signature flame-grilled burgers. The Whopper, their flagship burger, is a perennial favorite, offering a mouth-watering blend of juicy beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy mayo, all encased in a soft sesame seed bun. Apart from burgers, their menu includes crispy fries, onion rings, and a range of beverages, catering to quick meal seekers who value taste and convenience.
Eleven different Burger King restaurants accept EBT in Maryland. You will need to visit one of these locations in order to use your SNAP benefits:
- Baltimore: 1241 Orleans St. Baltimore, MD 21202
- Baltimore: 2301 Liberty Heights Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215
- Baltimore: 4100 Pulaski Highway Baltimore, MD 21224
- Baltimore: 4400 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD 21215
- Baltimore: 555 W 29th Street Baltimore, MD 21211
- Baltimore: 6605 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD 21215
- Eldersburg: 1333 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, Md 21784
- Lutherville: 1937 Greenspring Ave Lutherville, MD 21093
- Oxen Hill: 5141 Indian Head Highway Oxen Hill, MD 20745
- Rosedale: 8304 Pulaski Highway Rosedale, MD 21237
- Windsor Mill: 8022 Liberty Rd. Windsor Mill, MD 21244
CR Wings
CR Wings is a haven for wing lovers. This restaurant specializes in a wide array of chicken wings, each batch glazed in your choice of sauces ranging from the classic Buffalo to the adventurous honey garlic. Beyond wings, their menu features other American favorites like burgers and sandwiches. It’s a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a casual meal in a friendly atmosphere.
CR Wings is located in Harford County at 546 Baltimore Pike Bel Air, MD 21014. You can call them at 410-838-6722.
2 Soul Sisters Restaurant (CLOSED in 2024)
2 Soul Sisters Restaurant was the first restaurant in Maryland to accept EBT benefits through the Restaurant Meals Program. However, this restaurant has permanently closed as of December 31, 2023.
2 Soul Sisters Restaurant offered a delightful journey into Southern comfort food. Their menu was a parade of soul food classics, featuring items like succulent fried chicken, hearty mac and cheese, and tender collard greens. Each dish was s cooked with a homestyle touch, promising to evoke memories of family dinners. It was a must-visit for those seeking a taste of traditional Southern cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Help More Restaurants Accept EBT in Maryland
If you have a local restaurant that you love and want to see them join the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you can tell them about this program! The RMP is a valuable initiative that allows low-income Americans to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants.
Here’s what you need to tell your favorite restaurant owners:
- Application to USDA: Restaurant owners need to apply to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for authorization to accept EBT payments. This is the first step in becoming a part of the RMP.
- Types of Restaurants Eligible: The program is open to private, for-profit restaurants. This includes both independent establishments and franchise locations. A restaurant, in this context, is defined as an establishment where meals are sold or served to customers.
- Application Contents: The application packet to the USDA will include several forms and documents. It’s crucial for restaurant owners to provide all the required information to avoid delays in the approval process.
- Decision Timeline: Once the USDA receives a completed application package, they have up to 45 days to make an authorization decision. However, the actual time can vary depending on the volume of applications being processed.
- Business Type Specification: It’s important for restaurant owners to note that a business cannot be classified as both a retailer/food store and a restaurant. For the RMP, a restaurant or carry-out food business is defined specifically as a business where 50% or more of its gross sales come from prepared foods.
Encouraging your favorite restaurants to join the RMP not only broadens your dining options but also supports local businesses in serving the community more effectively. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals and families with limited resources, allowing them to enjoy a wider variety of meal choices. Sharing this information with restaurant owners can be the first step in making a meaningful difference in your community.
Relief Recap
About a dozen restaurants accept EBT in Maryland through the Restaurant Meals Program! This program enables elderly, homeless, or disabled individuals to use their EBT to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals from participating local restaurants. In our article, we explore the eligibility criteria for this program and provide a comprehensive list of Maryland restaurants that are part of it. Reach out to these establishments today to learn more!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.