Most people know that EBT cards work at grocery stores and farmers markets—but fewer know that a growing number of restaurants also accept EBT in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). If you're elderly, disabled, or experiencing homelessness, you may be able to use your SNAP benefits to buy hot prepared meals.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What the Restaurant Meals Program is and who qualifies
- Which states currently participate in the program
- Major fast food and restaurant chains that accept EBT
- How to find EBT-accepting restaurants near you
- Which purchases are still not allowed with SNAP/EBT
- How using EBT at restaurants affects your benefits balance
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is an optional feature of SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that allows certain eligible recipients to use their EBT card to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. The program was created to serve people who have difficulty preparing their own food—specifically:
- People age 60 or older
- People with a disability who receive SSI, SSDI, or other disability benefits
- Homeless individuals
If you live in a household where at least one member meets one of those criteria, every eligible SNAP recipient in the household may be able to use the Restaurant Meals Program.
Which States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
The RMP is not available in every state—it's optional for states to adopt, and individual counties within participating states may or may not be included. As of 2026, states with active RMP participation include California, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Rhode Island, among others. The program has expanded in recent years, so check with your local SNAP office to find out if your county is included.
California has the largest RMP footprint, with the program available in many counties statewide.
Does McDonald's Take EBT?
McDonald's participates in the Restaurant Meals Program in states and locations where the program is active. If you're in a participating area and you're eligible for the RMP, you can use your EBT card at many McDonald's locations. However, not every McDonald's in a participating state is enrolled—it's location-specific.
The best way to confirm is to ask the cashier or look for EBT/SNAP signage at the register.
Does Wendy's Accept EBT?
Like McDonald's, Wendy's participates in the Restaurant Meals Program in select states and locations. Wendy's has enrolled in the program in California and other RMP states. Again, participation varies by individual location.
Does Domino's Take EBT?
Domino's does not have widespread EBT acceptance as part of the Restaurant Meals Program, though some individual franchise locations in RMP states may accept it. Pizza Hut has participated in certain markets. Your best bet is to call your local Domino's or check at the point of sale.
Other Restaurant Chains That May Accept EBT
In RMP-participating areas, several other fast food and restaurant chains may accept EBT, including:
Subway, Taco Bell, KFC, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, Papa Murphy's, and Yum! Brands locations are among those that have joined the program in various states. Participation varies widely by location, so always confirm before ordering.
Some sit-down restaurant chains and meal delivery services have also begun exploring EBT acceptance for eligible recipients.
How to Find EBT-Accepting Restaurants Near You
The most reliable way to find participating restaurants is to:
- Ask your local SNAP office whether your county participates in the RMP and request a list of approved vendors.
- Use your state's EBT website — many states publish searchable databases of approved RMP locations.
- Look for the EBT/SNAP sticker at restaurant registers, which indicates they're set up to accept EBT.
- Search USDA's SNAP retailer locator at snap.fns.usda.gov, where you can filter for restaurant meal program locations.
What Can't You Buy With EBT at Restaurants?
Even in RMP-participating restaurants, your EBT card only covers qualifying purchases. You generally cannot use SNAP/EBT for:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Non-food items
- Hot foods sold at grocery stores that are not part of the RMP (in non-RMP states or for ineligible recipients)
The purpose of the program is to provide access to prepared, nutritious meals for people who would otherwise have difficulty cooking their own food.
Does Using the Restaurant Meals Program Reduce My SNAP Balance?
Yes—just like at a grocery store, every purchase you make at an RMP restaurant deducts from your SNAP balance. The RMP doesn't give you extra funds; it simply expands where you can spend your existing SNAP benefits.
Keep an eye on your EBT balance between benefit loading dates. You can check your balance at most ATMs or through your state's EBT app.
Managing all your benefits in one place makes life easier. Purple is a checking account built for people on SSI and SSDI, designed to help you track your resources and stay on top of your finances.