In most states, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) only allows you to use your EBT card to purchase food for preparation at home.
However, under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), individual states may allow some SNAP recipients to buy hot meals at approved restaurants.
It’s helpful to know which fast food places take EBT so you can plan your meals and make the best use of your benefits.
Below, I’ve compiled the list of fast food places that accept EBT in participating states, plus more information about how the Restaurant Meals Program works.
Jump Links
About the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program is designed to provide more food options to SNAP recipients who may have difficulty storing food or cooking for themselves.[1]
Who Qualifies?
Those who live in a participating state and are age 60 or older, disabled, or homeless qualify for the program.[1]
Spouses of those who qualify can also use EBT at restaurants.[1]
Which States Participate?
States must opt in to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Nine states have extended their SNAP programs to allow restaurant meals for qualifying recipients:
- Arizona[2]
- California[3]
- Illinois[4]
- Maryland[5]
- Massachusetts[6]
- Michigan[7]
- New York[8]
- Rhode Island[9]
- Virginia[10]
If you don’t live in and receive benefits from a state offering the Restaurant Meals Program, you can’t use your EBT card at restaurants (as previously reported).
The List
The following fast food restaurants accept EBT at select government-approved locations in states with RMPs.
You can select your state’s name under each restaurant to find nearby locations that take EBT.
This list focuses on chain restaurants; note that there may be additional local restaurants in your area that take EBT.
You might also want to check out the list of pizza places that take EBT.
Burger King
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
- Maryland[5]
Carl’s Jr.
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Church’s Texas Chicken
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Dairy Queen
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
Del Taco
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Denny’s
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
See more on using EBT at Denny’s.
El Pollo Loco
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Fatburger
- Participating states:
- California[12]
Firehouse Subs
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
Jack In The Box
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
KFC
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
McDonald’s
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
- Michigan[13]
Popeyes
- Participating states:
- California[12]
Rally’s
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Subway
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
- Michigan[14]
- Rhode Island[15]
See more about using EBT at Subway.
Taco Bell
- Participating states:
- Arizona[11]
- California[12]
Wendy’s
- Participating states:
- California[12]
Wingstop
- Participating states:
- California[12]
Tip: Keep in mind that each restaurant’s EBT acceptance status is subject to change based on updates to the state’s program. It’s a good idea to contact the individual store before visiting, check with your benefits agency, or keep a backup payment option (like a credit or debit card) on hand.
Fast Food Restaurants That Don’t Accept EBT
To participate in the RMP, restaurants must not only opt in to accept EBT but must receive approval from the government.
In the course of my research, I found that the following fast food places don’t accept EBT:[11][12][16][5][17][14][18][15][19]
- Arby’s
- Bojangles
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Cinnabon
- Culver’s
- Dunkin’
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Five Guys Burgers & Fries
- Hardee’s
- In-N-Out Burger
- Jimmy John’s
- Panda Express
- Panera Bread
- Popeyes
- Qdoba Mexican Grill
- Shake Shack
- Sonic Drive-In
- Starbucks
- Whataburger
- White Castle
- Zaxby’s
FAQ
Do I need to fill out a separate application for the Restaurant Meals Program?
No; if your case file shows that you qualify, your EBT card will automatically work at participating restaurants.[20][21] If you have questions about whether you qualify or want to make sure your file is up-to-date, contact your benefits agency.
How do I pay with EBT at participating fast food places?
EBT cards work just like debit cards. Depending on the restaurant, you may need to hand your card to the cashier, or you may use the PIN pad at the register.[22]
What should I do if my card doesn’t work?
Each state has a phone number you can call for EBT card customer service. You may also be able to report the problem online or in your state’s EBT app. See each state’s EBT contact information. If customer service isn’t able to fix the issue immediately or your balance isn’t high enough to pay for your meal, you’ll need to use an alternative payment method.
If I qualify for the RMP, can I use my EBT card at restaurants outside of my home state?
RMPs are state-managed due to their additional eligibility requirements. Only SNAP recipients who live in that state can participate. Even if your home state has the RMP and you’re visiting a state that also participates, you won’t be able to use your benefits at out-of-state restaurants. However, you can use your benefits at out-of-state grocery stores.[23]
In Summary
Several popular fast food restaurants, including Burger King, Dairy Queen, KFC, and McDonald’s accept EBT — but only at participating locations in states that have a Restaurant Meals Program.[11][12][16][5][17][14][18][15][19]
Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia allow EBT purchases at select restaurants for SNAP recipients who are age 60 or older, homeless, or disabled.[1]
If you have any questions about using your EBT card at fast food restaurants or want to share your experience with the RMP, feel free to leave a comment below.
