Can You Buy Hot Deli Food With EBT?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards deliver Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, helping eligible low-income individuals and families purchase food. These benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which functions like a debit card for food purchases at authorized retailers.

General EBT Rules for Prepared Food

SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption at the point of sale. This includes most hot deli items, such as a warm rotisserie chicken, or other hot meals found in grocery or convenience stores. Items like hot coffee, hot dogs, or pizza slices are not eligible for purchase with EBT.

The Restaurant Meals Program Exception

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) offers a specific exception, allowing certain SNAP recipients to use EBT benefits for prepared meals, including hot ones, at approved establishments. This optional state program supports individuals who face challenges preparing their own meals or lack permanent housing for food storage. Eligibility for RMP is limited to elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness, along with their spouses. A recipient’s EBT card is coded by the state to indicate RMP eligibility, which is automatically verified at the point of sale.

States participating in the RMP include Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Within these states, delis or restaurants must receive specific authorization from the state SNAP agency and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to accept EBT for prepared meals.

Using an EBT card at an RMP-approved establishment operates much like a standard debit card transaction. The SNAP recipient presents their EBT card, and the staff processes the payment through a point-of-sale (POS) device. The individual then enters their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. It is important to ensure sufficient funds are available on the EBT card to cover the cost of the meal. Sales tax is generally not charged on RMP purchases made with SNAP benefits, but EBT cannot be used to cover tips or delivery fees.

What EBT Can Typically Buy

EBT benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items intended for human consumption. This includes staple foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages are also generally eligible purchases. Beyond everyday groceries, EBT can also cover items like seeds and plants that produce food for the household.

Conversely, there are specific categories of items that EBT benefits cannot be used to buy. These include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and vitamins or medicines, particularly those with a “Supplement Facts” label rather than a “Nutrition Facts” label. Non-food items such as pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and hygiene items are also ineligible. While hot, prepared foods are typically excluded, cold prepared items like pre-packaged deli sandwiches or salads that are meant to be consumed off-premises are generally eligible.

How to Identify Participating Stores

To determine if a store or deli accepts EBT for eligible food items, look for signage displayed at the establishment. Many authorized retailers display the Quest® logo or “EBT Accepted Here” signs. For establishments participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, specific signage like “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” or a symbol of a fork and knife may be visible.

If signage is not immediately apparent, asking store staff directly is an effective way to confirm EBT acceptance. Additionally, state SNAP or EBT websites often provide valuable resources, including lists or interactive maps of participating retailers. This is particularly useful for locating RMP-approved restaurants, as their participation is specific and often limited to certain areas within a state. The USDA also offers a SNAP Retailer Locator tool online to help find authorized retailers by address or zip code.