Where and How to Use SNAP Benefits at Restaurants
Introduction: Can You Use EBT at Fast Food Restaurants?
If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you might wonder if you can use your EBT card at fast food restaurants.
The answer is yes—but only in certain cases. Most SNAP benefits can only be used for groceries, but some states offer a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows qualifying individuals to buy hot, prepared meals at approved fast food locations.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Which fast food restaurants accept EBT
✅ How the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) works
✅ Which states participate in the program
✅ How to use your EBT card at restaurants
✅ Alternatives if your state doesn’t allow fast food purchases
Let’s dive in!
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-run program that allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards at approved restaurants.
Who Qualifies for RMP?
Only certain SNAP recipients are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program:
✔ Homeless individuals
✔ Elderly (60+) SNAP recipients
✔ Disabled individuals receiving disability benefits
💡 If you don’t qualify under these categories, you can’t use EBT at restaurants, even in RMP states.
Which Fast Food Restaurants Accept EBT?
If you qualify for RMP and live in a participating state, you can use your EBT card at approved fast food chains.
Here are some of the most common fast food restaurants that accept EBT (in participating RMP states):
🍔 Burger Places
Burger King
McDonald’s
Wendy’s
Jack in the Box
🌮 Mexican Fast Food
Taco Bell
Del Taco
🍕 Pizza Chains
Domino’s
Papa Murphy’s
🍗 Chicken & Seafood
KFC
Popeyes
🥪 Sub & Deli Chains
Subway
Blimpie
💡 Not all locations in RMP states accept EBT—always check before ordering!
Which States Allow EBT at Restaurants?
As of 2025, only a few states offer the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
States That Currently Have RMP:
✅ California
✅ Arizona
✅ Michigan
✅ Illinois
✅ Rhode Island
✅ Maryland
💡 Other states are considering adding RMP, so check with your local SNAP office for updates.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Fast Food Restaurants
If you live in an RMP state and qualify, using EBT at fast food restaurants is easy!
Step-by-Step Guide:
1️⃣ Look for restaurants with an "EBT Accepted Here" sign
2️⃣ Make sure you’re ordering from an approved RMP location
3️⃣ Swipe your EBT card at checkout (just like using it at a grocery store)
4️⃣ Enter your PIN to complete the transaction
💡 Tip: EBT can only be used for eligible meals—you may need to pay separately for drinks or extra items.
Can You Use EBT for Food Delivery or Online Orders?
Most fast food delivery services do NOT accept EBT. However, some states allow SNAP recipients to order groceries online for delivery.
EBT-Friendly Delivery Services:
✔ Amazon Fresh (groceries only)
✔ Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery
✔ Instacart (select stores)
💡 Tip: If you need hot meals but don’t qualify for RMP, look into local food banks and meal programs for low-cost options.
Alternatives If Your State Doesn’t Allow Fast Food Purchases
If your state doesn’t participate in RMP, you cannot use EBT at fast food restaurants. However, you can:
✅ Buy Pre-Made Meals at Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores sell pre-cooked or ready-to-eat meals that are EBT-eligible, such as:
✔ Rotisserie chicken
✔ Deli sandwiches
✔ Bagged salads
✔ Cold pasta salads
✅ Look for Local Meal Assistance Programs
Some communities offer low-cost or free meal programs for people on SNAP, including:
✔ Soup kitchens
✔ Community centers
✔ Nonprofit meal programs
💡 Many states offer senior and disability meal delivery programs—check with your local SNAP office for options.
How Purple Helps You Manage Your EBT & SNAP Benefits
Keeping track of your EBT balance and transactions can be difficult, but Purple makes it easy!
💜 EBT & SNAP Tracking – Know exactly how much you have left
💜 Payment Alerts – Get notified when your SNAP benefits are deposited
💜 Budgeting Tools – Plan your spending to make your SNAP funds last longer
💜 Grocery & Fast Food Finder – Easily see where you can use EBT near you
💡 With Purple, you can manage all your benefits—including EBT, SSI, and SSDI— in one place.
FAQs About Using EBT at Fast Food Restaurants
Can I Use EBT at McDonald’s?
Only in RMP states (California, Arizona, Michigan, etc.). Most McDonald’s do not accept EBT.
Does DoorDash or Uber Eats Accept EBT?
No. Food delivery services do not accept EBT for hot meals.
Can I Buy a Hot Meal at a Grocery Store with EBT?
No, but you can buy cold, pre-packaged meals that you can heat at home.
How Can I Find Fast Food Places That Accept EBT Near Me?
Check with your state SNAP office
Look for "EBT Accepted Here" signs at restaurants
Use Purple’s EBT Finder to locate participating restaurants
Conclusion: Where & How to Use Your EBT Card for Fast Food
✅ You CAN use EBT for fast food, but only in certain states with the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
✅ Only specific groups—elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients—are eligible.
✅ Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Subway accept EBT in RMP states.
✅ If you can’t use EBT at fast food, consider grocery store pre-made meals or local meal programs.
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Track Your EBT & SNAP Benefits Easily!