Did you realize that some restaurants accept EBT in Virginia? If you’re a recipient of SNAP benefits, you may have the opportunity to buy freshly prepared, hot meals from specific restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program.
In this article, we will explore the specifics of this program, including who qualifies for it, how it operates, and which restaurants are involved in accepting SNAP payments for ready-to-eat meals.
About the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program is a special loophole that allows restaurants to accept EBT in Virginia.
It’s is a component of the federal food stamps legislation, but it’s not mandatory for states to implement it. States have the freedom to decide whether they want to adopt this program or not. Luckily, Virginia has decided to opt into this program.
Who is eligible?
In order to buy meals from restaurants that accept EBT in Virginia, each member of your household must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Be at least 60 years old; OR
- Be permanently disabled and receiving disability benefits from a government program; OR
- Be homeless.
Please keep in mind that every individual listed on your SNAP account must meet at least one of these criteria.
What does this program do?
If you are eligible, the Restaurant Meals Program will allow you to buy hot, prepared meals from restaurants that accept EBT payments. While SNAP benefits are typically designated for purchasing groceries, this program creates an exception so that you can buy restaurant-prepared dishes.
The program also ensures that you won’t be subject to taxes or tips on the meals you purchase with your EBT card. However, you cannot use the program to cover delivery fees. You have to use your card at the restaurant.
How does it work?
If you’re a recipient of SNAP benefits and meet the criteria for the Restaurant Meals Program, your caseworker will activate this option for you. If you believe you qualify but don’t see have access to it, you can reach out to your caseworker for assistance.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, all that’s left to do is take your EBT card to a restaurant that accepts EBT and swipe your card just like you would at a grocery store.
When you buy restaurant meals with your EBT card, you’ll receive a printed receipt displaying your remaining balance. If your card balance isn’t sufficient to cover the entire bill, it’s essential to inform the cashier before swiping your EBT card. This way, they can split the transaction between your EBT card and another payment method if needed.
These Restaurants Accept EBT in Virginia
There are several restaurants that accept EBT in Virginia through the Restaurant Meals Program. Here’s an overview.
KFC
KFC is a popular choice for those looking for classic fried chicken meals. With locations across Virginia, KFC provides convenient and affordable dining options for families and individuals alike. Below are their participating locations:
- Ashland: 806 England St
- Bedford: 882 E Main St
- Chesapeake:
139 Battlefield Blvd. S
3148 Western Branch Blvd
1353 Kempsville Road
929 Battlefield Blvd. N
1720 Parkview Dr
4103 Portsmouth Blvd - Collinsville: 3500 Virginia Ave
- Danville: 762 Piney Forest Rd, 604 Memorial Dr
- Farmville: 2005 S Main St
- Hampton: 1101 W Pembroke Ave, 1603 E Pembroke Ave, 207 W Mercury Blvd
- Lynchburg: 882 E Main St
- Martinsville: 18 Tensbury Dr
- Mechanicsville: 7091 Mechanicsville Tpke
- Newport News:
15496 Warwick Blvd
12104 Jefferson Ave
12630 Warwick Blvd
5010 Mercury Blvd
746 J Clyde Morris Blvd - Norfolk:
3690 Sewells Point Rd
1263 N Military Hwy
1716 Monticello Ave
199 W Ocean View Ave
227 E Little Creek Rd - Portsmouth: 2800 Airline Blvd, 440 Chestnut St, 5004 George Washington Hwy
- Pulaski: 1991 Memorial Dr
- Richmond: 1006 Azalea Ave, 3800 Mechanicsville Tpke, 9000 W Broad St
- South Boston: 1222 Wilborn Ave
- Tappahannock: 1658 Tappahannock Blvd
- Virginia Beach:
1300 Fordham Dr
4253 Holland Rd
2072 S Independence Blvd
1660 General Booth Blvd
1360 Fordham Dr
Subway
Subway is known for its fresh, customizable sandwiches and healthy meal options. With multiple locations across Virginia, it’s a reliable choice for a quick and nutritious meal. Below are the participating locations:
- Newport News: 12368 Warwick Blvd, 320-3 29th St, 12797 Jefferson Ave
- Portsmouth: 810 Airline Blvd
- Virginia Beach: 208 N Birdneck Rd
Taco Bell
Taco Bell offers a wide selection of Tex-Mex-inspired meals, including tacos, burritos, and nachos. With its affordable prices and customizable menu, Taco Bell is a convenient option for a quick meal. Below are the locations across Virginia that accept EBT benefits:
- Alexandria: 417 King St, 231 S. Van Dorn St
- Arlington: 4681 King St, 2039 Wilson Blvd
- Chesapeake:
- 3236 Western Branch Blvd
- 1353 Kempsville Road
- 929 Battlefield Blvd. N
- 1720 Parkview Dr
- 4103 Portsmouth Blvd
- Manassas: 8891 Centreville Road, 11017 Nokesville Road
- Norfolk: 1113 N. Military Hwy, 8411 Hampton Blvd, 227 E Little Creek Rd, 649 Newtown Rd
- Virginia Beach:
- 2009 Lynnhaven Pkwy
- 4597 Virginia Beach Blvd
- 3209 Holland Rd
- 1360 Fordham Dr
- 1670 General Booth Blvd
Local Restaurants
Virginia also offers several local eateries that accept EBT benefits, showcasing a variety of cuisines and dining experiences:
- Richmond:
- Kokonut Grill: 1201 W Main St
- Touché Pies and Fries: 1221 N Laburnum Ave
- The Beet Box: 2611 W Cary St
- Lynchburg:
- Asian Fusion: 2820 Linkhorne Dr Ste A
- Bistro Bros. Q Deli: 3900 Wards Rd
- Newport News:
- Juicing LIFE Bar & Cafe: 706 Town Center Dr Ste 102 & 100
Relief Recap
If you’re looking for restaurants that accept EBT benefits, this guide organizes options across Virginia. As you can see, there are many dining options to choose from, including popular chains like KFC, Taco Bell, Subway and a variety of local favorites.