What Fast Food Restaurants Take EBT Cards?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system provides food assistance to eligible individuals and families through a debit-like card. This system simplifies benefit delivery, allowing recipients to make eligible food purchases at authorized retail stores. EBT cards are used nationwide, facilitating access to nutritious food.

Understanding the Restaurant Meals Program

The ability to use an EBT card at fast food restaurants stems from the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program allows certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants using their EBT benefits. The RMP addresses the needs of SNAP recipients who lack access to food preparation or storage, or who cannot prepare meals.

Eligibility for the Restaurant Meals Program is not universal; it is designed for vulnerable populations. To qualify, members of a SNAP household must meet criteria. These include being 60 or older, having a disability, or experiencing homelessness. Spouses of eligible SNAP recipients also qualify if part of the same household.

The RMP is state-specific; it is not available in every state, and implementation varies. States have the option to implement the program. If they do, their EBT system automatically codes eligible cards for acceptance at participating restaurants. There is no separate application process; if a household meets eligibility in a participating state, their SNAP case is updated.

Finding Participating Fast Food Establishments

Locating fast food restaurants that accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program requires specific steps, as participation varies by state and location. RMP restaurants often display signage indicating their participation, found in a window, on a door, or near the cash register. Signs may state “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” or feature a fork and knife symbol.

Many states with an RMP provide online directories or lists of participating restaurants on government websites. Some state agencies offer an RMP Restaurant Map or a direct list. EBT cardholders can check eligibility and find locations through online portals or mobile apps. If online resources are unavailable, contact a local SNAP office or eligibility worker for a list.

Permitted Purchases and Usage Guidelines

When using an EBT card at a participating RMP restaurant, guidelines dictate purchases. Unlike standard SNAP benefits covering cold groceries, the RMP allows purchase of hot, prepared foods. This includes hot meals at the point of sale, like hot sandwiches, and other ready-to-eat items. It provides access to prepared meals for those unable to cook.

Certain items remain ineligible for EBT purchase, even at RMP-approved restaurants. These restrictions align with general SNAP rules, prohibiting non-food items like pet food, soaps, paper products, and household supplies. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, and medicines cannot be bought with an EBT card. If a purchase includes eligible and ineligible items, the EBT card covers only eligible food. The remaining balance for non-food items must be paid using another method.

How to Use Your EBT Card at Restaurants

Using an EBT card at a participating RMP restaurant is straightforward, similar to using a debit or credit card. When ready to pay, the EBT cardholder presents their card to the cashier. The card is then swiped or inserted into a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

The cardholder enters their Personal Identification Number (PIN) into the PIN pad to authorize the transaction. If the meal cost exceeds the EBT balance, or includes ineligible items, a split payment can be performed. EBT benefits are applied first, covering the eligible portion. The remaining balance can then be paid with cash, debit card, or another accepted method. After the transaction, a receipt shows purchase details and the remaining EBT balance.