"Does McDonald's take EBT?" "Can I use my food stamps at Wendy's?" These are some of the most commonly searched questions by people who receive SNAP benefits — and the answer isn't as simple as yes or no. Whether you can use your EBT card at a fast food restaurant depends on your state, your eligibility status, and whether the restaurant participates in a specific USDA program. Here's everything you need to know for 2026.
In this article, we'll cover:
- The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and how it works
- Which states currently participate in the RMP
- Which fast food chains accept EBT through the program
- Who qualifies to use EBT at restaurants
- How to find participating restaurants near you
- The difference between SNAP EBT and cash EBT at restaurants
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program is an optional USDA program that allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits at approved restaurants. It exists because not everyone has the ability to store groceries, cook meals, or access a kitchen. The program is specifically designed for people who face barriers to preparing food at home.
The key word is optional — states choose whether or not to participate, and individual restaurants within participating states choose whether to sign up. This is why the answer to "does McDonald's take EBT" varies depending on where you live.
Who Qualifies to Use EBT at Restaurants?
Even in states that participate in the RMP, not all SNAP recipients can use their benefits at restaurants. You typically qualify if you fall into one of these categories: you are elderly (age 60 or older), you have a disability that prevents you from preparing meals, you are experiencing homelessness and lack access to cooking facilities, or you are the spouse of someone who qualifies under the above criteria.
If you receive SSI based on a disability, you almost certainly qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program in states that offer it. Your disability status is already verified through Social Security, which makes the eligibility determination straightforward.
Which States Participate in the RMP?
As of 2026, the states with active Restaurant Meals Programs include Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia. California has the largest and most established program, with thousands of participating restaurants across the state. Arizona and Rhode Island also have well-developed programs.
The list of participating states does change over time as states opt in or out, so if your state isn't listed, it's worth checking with your state's SNAP agency to see if they've recently joined or are considering it.
Some states run the RMP statewide, while others limit it to certain counties. In California, for example, the program is available in most counties but the specific participating restaurants vary by location.
Which Fast Food Chains Accept EBT?
In states with an active RMP, many major fast food chains participate — but not all locations within a chain necessarily accept EBT. The most commonly reported participating chains include McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, Popeyes, Denny's, Papa Murphy's, and various local and regional restaurants.
McDonald's is one of the most widely asked-about chains. In California and Arizona, many McDonald's locations accept EBT through the RMP. However, not every McDonald's in those states participates — it's a decision made at the franchise level. Wendy's participation is similar: some locations in RMP states accept EBT, while others don't. Subway tends to have broader participation in the program, especially in California. Popeyes and Burger King also have participating locations in RMP states, though coverage is less consistent.
The important takeaway is that participation varies by individual location. Just because one McDonald's in your city accepts EBT doesn't mean the one across town does.
How to Find Participating Restaurants Near You
The best way to find restaurants that accept your EBT card is to use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. You can search by address or zip code and filter for restaurants specifically. Your state's SNAP program website may also maintain a list of RMP-approved restaurants. You can also simply look for signs at restaurant entrances — participating locations often display stickers or signs indicating they accept EBT.
Another practical approach: call ahead. If you're unsure whether a specific restaurant accepts EBT, a quick phone call can save you from an awkward moment at the counter.
SNAP EBT vs Cash EBT: An Important Distinction
There's a common point of confusion here. Your EBT card may carry two types of benefits: SNAP benefits (for food purchases) and cash benefits (from programs like TANF). Cash benefits on your EBT card can be used almost anywhere that accepts debit cards, including restaurants — regardless of whether the restaurant participates in the RMP and regardless of what state you're in. You can also withdraw cash benefits from ATMs.
The RMP restriction only applies to the SNAP portion of your EBT card. So if you have cash benefits loaded on your card, you can already use them at any restaurant that accepts EBT cash transactions. If you're not sure which type of benefits you have, check your benefit statement or call your state's EBT customer service number (printed on the back of your card).
What If Your State Doesn't Have the RMP?
If your state doesn't participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, your SNAP benefits can only be used at authorized retail food stores — grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers' markets, and certain specialty food stores. You cannot use SNAP benefits at restaurants in non-RMP states, regardless of your disability status.
That said, you can still use any cash benefits on your EBT card at restaurants. And if you believe your state should adopt the RMP, you can advocate for it by contacting your state legislature or SNAP agency — the more states that participate, the more accessible the program becomes.
Stretching your benefits further starts with understanding how they work. Purple helps SSI and SSDI recipients manage their finances with a checking account designed specifically for people on disability benefits.