If you receive SNAP benefits and rely on EBT to buy food, you might assume fast food is off the table — literally. But there's a little-known federal program that allows certain states to let EBT cardholders purchase hot prepared meals at participating restaurants. If you're looking for fast food restaurants that accept EBT near you, here's everything you need to know.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What the Restaurant Meals Program is and how it works
- Which states participate in the program
- What restaurant chains commonly accept EBT through this program
- Who qualifies to use EBT at restaurants
- Why most fast food chains don't accept EBT — and what that means for you
- Other food assistance options if restaurants in your area don't participate
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is an optional add-on to SNAP that allows participating states to let certain eligible groups use their EBT card to buy prepared meals at approved restaurants. It's run at the state level, meaning not every state has it — and even within states that do, not every restaurant participates.
The program was created to help people who may have difficulty preparing food at home. That includes elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If you fall into one of those categories and live in a participating state, you may be able to use your EBT card at a limited selection of fast food and restaurant locations.
Which States Have the Restaurant Meals Program?
As of 2026, the following states operate a Restaurant Meals Program: California, Arizona, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Illinois, among a few others. The specific list can change as states opt in or out.
California has the largest and most established RMP, with participating restaurants in many counties throughout the state. Arizona has the program as well, though it is more limited in geographic reach.
If you live in a state not on this list, unfortunately EBT cannot currently be used at fast food restaurants or any other prepared food vendor in your area — it's a state-level decision, and most states have not adopted the program.
What Restaurant Chains Accept EBT?
Within states that participate, the most commonly approved restaurant chains include Subway, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box, Domino's, and Taco Bell — though participation varies by location and state contract. Not every franchise location of a chain will accept EBT even in a participating state.
Subway is one of the most widely approved chains, particularly in California, because it offers made-to-order sandwiches that can qualify as prepared meals. McDonald's participates in California in select counties. Burger King has locations in some RMP states that accept EBT.
The single most important thing to know: you cannot just walk into any of these restaurants and use EBT. The specific location must be enrolled in the state's RMP. The best way to find participating locations near you is to contact your state SNAP agency or check their website for an approved vendor list.
Who Qualifies to Use EBT at Restaurants?
Even in states with the Restaurant Meals Program, not every SNAP recipient can use their EBT card at restaurants. Eligibility typically requires that you are one of the following:
You must be age 60 or older, or disabled and receiving SSI or SSDI, or currently experiencing homelessness. In some states, the eligibility is defined more narrowly — for example, requiring that the person's disability prevents them from preparing meals independently.
If you receive SSI or SSDI and live in a state with an active RMP, it's worth checking whether you qualify. Call your local SNAP office or log into your state's SNAP portal to confirm.
Why Most Fast Food Chains Don't Accept EBT
Standard SNAP rules prohibit EBT from being used on hot, prepared foods or foods sold for on-premises consumption. This is why you can buy a cold rotisserie chicken at the grocery store but not a hot meal at a fast food counter — at least under normal SNAP rules. The Restaurant Meals Program creates an exception to this rule for specific populations.
This also explains why EBT works at most grocery stores and some big-box retailers but not at the vast majority of restaurants, coffee shops, or food courts. The exception only exists where a state has specifically established it.
Other Food Assistance Options
If you're in a state without the Restaurant Meals Program or you don't meet the eligibility requirements, there are still other ways to stretch your food budget.
Many communities have food banks, food pantries, and meal programs specifically for people with disabilities or seniors. Community Action Agencies in your area can point you to local resources. Many faith-based organizations also operate free meal programs open to anyone in need.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a separate program from SNAP and provides specific food packages for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. If you have children under five, WIC can supplement your SNAP benefits significantly.
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