If you receive SNAP benefits, you might wonder whether you can use your EBT card at fast food restaurants. The short answer: it depends on where you live and whether you qualify for a special program.
In this article, we'll cover:
- The standard SNAP rule for restaurants
- What the Restaurant Meals Program is
- Which states participate
- Who qualifies for RMP
- Which restaurants accept EBT
1. The Standard SNAP Rule for Restaurants
Under normal SNAP rules, you cannot use your EBT card to buy food at restaurants—including fast food chains. SNAP benefits are designed for grocery purchases only.
This means you typically can't use EBT at:
- Fast food restaurants
- Sit-down restaurants
- Food courts
- Coffee shops
- Convenience stores for prepared hot food
However, there's an exception: the Restaurant Meals Program.
2. What the Restaurant Meals Program Is
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is an optional SNAP program that allows certain eligible individuals to use their EBT benefits at participating restaurants.
The program exists because some SNAP recipients:
- Don't have a place to store food
- Don't have cooking facilities
- Have physical limitations that prevent cooking
RMP gives these individuals access to prepared meals they can eat immediately.
Important: The Restaurant Meals Program is not available everywhere. Your state must choose to participate, and you must meet specific eligibility criteria.
3. Which States Participate
As of 2026, only a limited number of states offer the Restaurant Meals Program:
Currently participating:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois (limited areas)
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Each state sets its own rules for which counties or areas participate and which restaurants can accept EBT.
Most states do not participate. If your state isn't listed, you cannot use SNAP benefits at restaurants.
4. Who Qualifies for RMP
Even in participating states, not everyone on SNAP qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program. You typically must be:
Elderly: Age 60 or older
Disabled: Have a disability that prevents you from preparing meals
Homeless: Without a fixed address or cooking facilities
Living in certain facilities: Group homes, shelters, or treatment centers
You'll usually need to apply for RMP access through your state's SNAP office. It may be automatically added if you meet criteria, or you may need to request it.
5. Which Restaurants Accept EBT
In states with RMP, participating restaurants vary widely. Common chains that accept EBT in some areas include:
- Subway
- Domino's Pizza
- Papa Murphy's
- Jack in the Box
- Denny's
- El Pollo Loco
- Carl's Jr.
How to find participating restaurants:
- Check your state's SNAP website
- Call your local SNAP office
- Look for "EBT Accepted" signs at restaurants
- Ask at the register before ordering
Important: Not all locations of a chain participate. Always confirm before ordering.
If You Don't Qualify for RMP
If you're not eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program, you can still stretch your SNAP benefits with these strategies:
- Buy ready-to-eat items from grocery stores (deli items, rotisserie chicken)
- Purchase cold prepared foods (sandwiches, salads)
- Stock up on items that don't require cooking
- Use SNAP at farmers markets for fresh options
How Purple Helps
While Purple doesn't manage your EBT card directly, we help you:
- Track your EBT balance alongside your bank account
- See all your benefits in one dashboard
- Budget effectively across all income sources
- Stay organized with your finances