In the United States, the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients to use their EBT cards to purchase hot meals at participating fast food restaurants. This program is particularly beneficial for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or homeless and may not have the means to prepare meals at home. Below is the list of participating fast food restaurants that accept EBT in each state.
About the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a valuable resource within the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that allows certain recipients to use their EBT cards at participating restaurants to purchase hot, prepared meals.
This program is especially useful for individuals who might not have the ability to cook or store food at home. The RMP is available in several states, including California, Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, and New York, with each state offering a unique list of participating restaurants and eligible locations.
The goal of the RMP is to ensure that everyone, especially those facing greater challenges, has access to nutritious meals without the need to prepare them at home.
Who Can Benefit from the RMP?
- Elderly Individuals (60 and Older):
If you’re 60 or older, the RMP is designed to help you by making it easier to get a hot meal without having to cook. This can be particularly helpful if you have mobility issues, health concerns, or just find it challenging to prepare meals regularly. The program allows you to use your EBT card at approved restaurants to enjoy a warm, ready-to-eat meal. - Disabled Individuals:
For those living with a disability, whether physical or mental, the RMP provides a practical solution to the difficulties of meal preparation. If you receive disability benefits, you and your spouse can take advantage of this program to access meals from participating restaurants. This takes the pressure off having to cook, making daily life a bit easier. - Homeless Individuals:
If you’re homeless and don’t have a stable place to live, cooking and storing food can be nearly impossible. The RMP helps by allowing you to use your EBT card to buy prepared meals from certain restaurants. This ensures that even without a kitchen, you can still enjoy a nutritious meal, providing a small comfort in challenging circ*mstances.
Each of these categories is designed to support those who might struggle the most with meal preparation, ensuring they have access to the food they need in a convenient and accessible way. If you believe you qualify, it’s worth reaching out to your local SNAP office to confirm your eligibility and start taking advantage of this helpful program.
Arizona
Arizona offers extensive participation in the Restaurant Meals Program across the entire state. Here’s a list of fast food restaurants where you can use your EBT card:
- 24th St Pizza & Gyros
- Blimpie
- Burger Shoppe
- CiCi’s Pizza
- Dairy Queen
- Denny’s
- Domino’s Pizza
- Eegees
- El Pollo Loco
- Fat Sub
- Firestone Subs
- Golden Corral
- Harris and Smith Coffee Company
- Helpings Cafe and Market
- Jack in the Box
- Jimmy and Joe’s Pizzeria
- KFC
- Moon Light Family Restaurant
- Papa John’s Pizza
- Papa Murphy’s
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Smoke Dem Bones BBQ
- Speedy Street Tacos Corp
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Tasty Box
- Uncle Sams
- WaBa Grill
See the list of fast food restaurants accepting EBT in Arizona per county here.
California
California has one of the largest networks of fast food restaurants participating in the RMP, covering numerous counties. The following chains are part of the program:
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Church’s Chicken
- Del Taco
- Denny’s
- Domino’s Pizza
- El Pollo Loco
- Great Steaks
- Jack in the Box
- Jamba Juice
- KFC
- Papa Murphy’s
- Popeye’s
- Pizza Hut
- Quiznos
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- Wienerschnitzel
Participating counties include Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz.
To make it even easier to find fast food restaurants in California that accept EBT, you can use our EBT Restaurant Locator Tool. This tool, powered by the official list from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), allows you to quickly search for participating dining options by simply entering your city or zip code. For more details, visit our article here.
Hawaii
Hawaii has been approved to participate in the RMP statewide. Although specific restaurant information is still forthcoming, the entire state is eligible. Keep an eye on updates from the Hawaii Department of Human Services for the most current list of participating restaurants.
Illinois
Illinois has recently been approved to join the RMP, with initial rollouts expected in select counties such as Dewitt and Cook (specific zip codes 60619, 60620, 60628, and 60617). As the program expands, more restaurants will join, and the list will be updated accordingly.
Maryland
The state of Maryland has approved several fast food restaurants under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Currently, only Burger King locations in specific counties are participating in the program. Below is a list of the counties and the corresponding Burger King restaurants where EBT is accepted:
Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County
See the list of fast food restaurants accepting EBT in Maryland per county here
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is set to launch its RMP in Fall 2023, starting with 27 approved restaurants and food trucks across 17 communities. These include:
- Las Delicias Colombianas
- La Parada Dominican Kitchen
- El Taller
- Bella Isla Café
- Vejigantes Restaurant
- Merengue Restaurant
- Café Reyes
- Thmor Da Restaurant
- MexiRico
- Cedar’s Food Mart
- Fresh Food Generation
- Soleil Restaurant
- Crave
- Sabrosa Venezuela
- Sabrine Bakery and Cafe
- Cocina Lupita
- Brother’s Deli of Lynn
- Faneek’s Coney Island
- Bridge Pizzeria
- Pizza Maria
- Caribbean Classic on Wheels
- Las Palmas Restaurant
- New Wine Pizza
- Sazon Peru Restaurant
- Fritay Restaurant
- January’s Kitchen
- Dona Habana
These businesses are predominantly women-owned and represent diverse communities. The program will be available in cities like Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Dorchester, and Springfield.
See the list of fast food restaurants accepting EBT in Massachusetts per county here
Michigan
Michigan announced its participation in the RMP in December 2020, though the program’s official launch is still pending. Once active, the Michigan Bridge card can be used at participating restaurants statewide. Keep an eye on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for updates.
New York
New York’s statewide Restaurant Meals Program was established in October 2021. Although specific restaurants have not yet been announced, applications from fast food establishments are currently being accepted. Updates will be provided as the program rolls out.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a limited but established participation in the RMP, with the following restaurants accepting EBT:
- Subway
- Federal Hill Pizza
This program is available statewide. For the most up-to-date list, check resources provided by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
How to Identify Participating Restaurants
Look for signs such as “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” or a simple “We Welcome EBT” notice at the entrance of the restaurant. These signs ensure that the establishment accepts EBT for hot meals.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Fast Food Restaurants
Using your EBT card at participating restaurants is straightforward:
- Locate a Participating Restaurant: Look for restaurants displaying the appropriate signage.
- Order Your Meal: Choose your meal and proceed to checkout.
- Swipe Your EBT Card: Pay using your EBT card, entering your PIN as you would in a grocery store.
- Receive Your Receipt: This will show your remaining balance.
Restaurants Not Accepting EBT
Some major fast food chains do not participate in the RMP, even in states where the program is active. These include:
- A&W Restaurants
- Arby’s
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Cinnabon
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Five Guys
- Hardee’s
- In-N-Out Burger
- Krispy Kreme
- Long John Silver’s
- Panda Express
- Panera Bread
- Qdoba Mexican Grill
- Shake Shack
- Starbucks
- TCBY
- Tim Hortons
- Whataburger
- Wingstop
- WingStreet
- Zaxby’s
