Can You Buy Fast Food with EBT?

What to know about the Restaurant Meals Program and where SNAP is accepted

Introduction: EBT and Fast Food — What’s Allowed?

If you receive SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps), you may have wondered:

🍔 “Can I use my EBT card at McDonald’s?”

🌮 “Which restaurants take EBT?”

📍 “Is fast food allowed in my state?”

The short answer:

✅ Yes — but only in specific states and only if you’re eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

In this post, we’ll cover:

✅ What the Restaurant Meals Program is

✅ Which states and restaurants participate

✅ How to know if you’re eligible

✅ How Purple helps track and tag your EBT spending

1. What Is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?

The Restaurant Meals Program is a state-run option within SNAP that allows certain individuals to buy hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants using their EBT card.

RMP is only available to:

• People who are elderly (60+)

• Disabled individuals

• Unhoused individuals

📌 You must also live in a state that offers RMP, and the restaurant must be approved by the state.

2. Which States Allow Fast Food with EBT in 2025?

As of 2025, the following states participate in RMP in some form:

• California

• Arizona

• Maryland

• Illinois

• Rhode Island

• Michigan

• Virginia (pilot program)

• New York (limited counties)

📌 Even in these states, not every county or restaurant participates — check your local SNAP office or state website for up-to-date info.

3. What Restaurants Accept EBT?

Participating restaurants vary by state but may include:

🍕 Pizza Hut

🌮 Taco Bell

🍗 Popeyes

🍔 Burger King

🥪 Subway

☕ Jack in the Box

🍖 El Pollo Loco

📌 Many local restaurants and mom-and-pop diners also participate. Look for “EBT Accepted” signs or ask directly.

4. How to Know If You’re Eligible for RMP

To qualify, you must:

• Be on SNAP

• Be elderly, disabled, or unhoused

• Live in a participating state or county

• Have your EBT card coded for RMP use

📞 Contact your state SNAP office to ask:

• “Am I eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program?”

• “Can I use my EBT card at restaurants?”

• “How do I activate my card for fast food use?”

5. What You Can’t Buy with EBT

Even with SNAP, there are limits on what you can purchase:

🚫 Alcohol

🚫 Cigarettes or tobacco

🚫 Pet food

🚫 Household items (soap, toilet paper)

🚫 Hot food (unless RMP-eligible)

📌 If you’re not in the RMP, fast food is still not allowed under federal SNAP rules.

How Purple Helps You Track EBT Spending

💜 Automatic EBT Tagging

Purple detects and labels your EBT deposits — no more guessing when your balance reloads.

💜 Real-Time Alerts

Get notified when your SNAP hits and track every dollar in one app.

💜 Smart Spend Tracking

See how much you’ve spent from EBT vs. checking. Plan ahead with clearer budgeting.

💜 Companion AI Support

Ask Companion:

• “Did my EBT arrive?”

• “Where can I use EBT near me?”

• “Will this fast food place accept my card?”

FAQs About Fast Food and EBT

⚠️ Can I use EBT at McDonald’s?

Only in some states with RMP — and only if you’re eligible.

⚠️ What if my state doesn’t participate?

You can’t use EBT at fast food restaurants unless your state and the location are part of RMP.

⚠️ How do I apply for the Restaurant Meals Program?

Contact your local SNAP office and request RMP enrollment if eligible.

⚠️ What happens if I try to use EBT at an unapproved place?

Your card will be declined, and the transaction won’t go through.

Conclusion: Yes, Fast Food with EBT Is Possible — But Only in Certain Cases

✅ RMP allows limited fast food purchases with EBT

✅ Eligibility depends on your state, disability status, and restaurant location

✅ Purple helps you track and manage your EBT and SSI/SSDI benefits — all in one place

💜 Open your Purple account today and stay on top of your benefits.