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Brian Nageleupdated 126 Comments
Many people must have access to affordable and practical food options, and fast food establishments are increasingly recognizing this need by broadening their list of accepted forms of payment to include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) benefits. This significant advancement makes it possible for people and families who depend on government assistance to eat out like everyone else by providing them with a greater selection of dining options. This guide will highlight the restaurants that are ensuring that no one has to choose between taste and affordability because they serve wholesome and delectable food, whether you’re looking for a quick and affordable dining option or are simply interested in the changing landscape of accessible dining.
*DISCLAIMER* SNAP benefits and laws vary by state and locality. Check your state’s SNAP program rules to learn whether or not hot food is covered by EBT/SNAP under the Restaurant Meals Program.
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Burger King
Founded by David Edgerton and James McLamore in Florida in 1954, Burger King originated as a small town Florida-based chain of burger restaurants that the two partners revamped. Today, Burger King is the second-largest fast-food chain in the world, with over 18,700 locations in over 100 countries. They’re most famous for their classic hamburger or cheeseburger, known as the Whopper, but their menu also includes chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, fries, desserts, and specialty drinks. My favorite treat at Burger King is the Bacon King with two beef patties, American cheese, and thick-cut smoked bacon, garnished with a creamy mix of mayo and ketchup.
Subway
Subway was originally called Pete’s Subway for founder Fred DeLuca’s friend, backer, and culinary muse Peter Buck. DeLuca opened the first Subway in 1965 to fund his medical school education. Little did he know, Subway would transform into the most internationally beloved sandwich chain. The beauty of Subway is that you watch your meal being made in front of you as you direct your server on what fresh ingredients you’d like from their menu. I’m a big fan of their Chicken Bacon and Ranch sub with juicy rotisserie chicken smothered in Monterey cheddar cheese and topped with hickory-smoked bacon and a drizzle of creamy peppercorn ranch.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell started as a California-based Mexican-inspired fast food restaurant by founder Glen Bell in 1962. To ingratiate the idea with fellow Californians, Bell originally featured chili burgers on the menu. However, he underestimated America’s love for Mexican food. Taco Bell’s genius marketing and publicity created some of the more memorable commercials, including one with a talking chihuahua. Today Taco Bell has a cult following from teenagers, college students, and young professionals with a hankering for creative takes on Mexican food like burritos, tacos, and nachos.I thought their Steak Chalupa Supreme was a perfect combination of a chalupa and a taco in one user-friendly hand-held meal. The initial chalupa crunch that cedes into a chewy soft taco is my new favorite texture profile.
KFC
As the name implies, KFC is a Kentucky-based fried chicken fast food restaurant that got its start in a small Kentucky town in 1952. Today, KFC and Burger King have merged to become the second-largest restaurant chain in the world with a popular menu of fried chicken.The KFC logo is of founder Colonel Harland Sanders himself, who began serving fried chicken during the Depression-era out of a gas station. His fried chicken survived the Great Depression, and Colonel Sanders triumphantly brought Kentucky-famous down-home cooking to the rest of the worldYou can get fried chicken in a bucket with classic sides like biscuits, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. I love their thick and juicy fried chicken filet sandwich with sweet pickles, garlic oil, and creamy mayo.
Domino’s Pizza
Originating in Michigan as a friendly pizza shop in 1960, Domino’s is now an international household name for quality fast-food pizza. They have over 15,000 stores around the globe with enticing ad campaigns that put their employees to the test.Currently, the challenge is for employees to deliver your curbside pick-up order in less than two minutes, or the next pizza is free. Dominos has changed proprietary recipes over its 60-year tenure, inventing newer and better pies. My go-to order is their Philly Steak pizza with a thick, chewy crust and hearty slices of steak, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box was founded in San Diego back in 1951, making it one of the older fast food chains still around today. The Jack in the Box menu is famous for unique burgers, chicken sandwiches and salads, and inventive sides like tiny tacos and jumbo egg rolls. This chain has found success by mixing up the menu – while they offer classic fast food like burgers and sandwiches, they often feature unusual toppings or other menu items to stray from the norm. Like the others on this list, Jack in the Box does accept EBT and other SNAP benefits, so regardless of income you can try out their menu!
Rally’s
A relative newcomer to the national fast-food scene, Rally’s is a classic American comfort food restaurant that has been a part of three major fast-food conglomerates including CKE and Checkers. Originally a beloved midwestern chain, Rally’s has now spread across the continental US, serving all the American favorites from hot dogs to burgers, to milkshakes. They’ve combined their logo and theme with that of their sister restaurant, Checkers, assuming an old-timey 1950s feel with checkered butcher paper.They make my favorite fries, which are thick, golden, and heavily seasoned. They taste great plain, but I like to make a meal out of them by ordering them fully loaded with cheese, ranch, and bacon.
Denny’s
If you’re a breakfast fan, Denny’s is the ultimate fast food diner experience, bringing you American breakfasts any time of day or night. Denny’s started as a donut and coffee shop in California in the 1950s, transforming into the beloved breakfast diner we all know by the 60s. Unlike most fast-food restaurants that are most popular as take-out and delivery establishments, Denny’s creates an authentic diner and soda fountain experience that makes dining in as popular as its wholesome breakfast menu. You can always get sandwiches, burgers, and entrée platters for lunch or dinner if breakfast isn’t your favorite. As a breakfast lover, my favorite menu section at Denny’s is their Slams, different combinations of continental breakfasts.
McDonald’s
With close to 40,000 locations worldwide, McDonald’s is the world’s biggest fast-food chain. Founded by Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940, McDonald’s was the original burger stand. It didn’t acquire its golden arches until it started to franchise in 1953. Today, there’s no more ubiquitous logo. Their menu keeps a core set of classic burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries, with new items popping up all the time. I’m always torn between a tasty Big Mac or a 6-piece chicken nugget combo. The Big Mac usually wins because of the bonus bun and the deliciously creamy and tangy Big Mac sauce.
Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice is a smoothie shop that helped popularize the idea that fast food can be healthy, delicious, and fit. Originating in 1990, Jamba Juice has become the leading smoothie chain, offering a wealth of fruit and vegetable smoothies, fresh juices, and protein-packed prepared foods. Whether you’re on a diet or not, Jamba Juice’s smoothies are refreshing, light, and full of nutrients, making the perfect morning meal or hearty afternoon snack. When I want light and fruity, I go for the Aloha Pineapple which combines my two favorite fruits, pineapple, and strawberries, with bananas and Greek yogurt.
Popeye’s
Originating in New Orleans in 1972, Popeye’s is a NOLA-style fried chicken fast-food chain, offering Creole and Cajun-style sides to accompany their famously spicy fried chicken. Founder Al Copeland started Popeye’s to give Kentucky fried chicken a run for their money. Popeye’s gained wide popularity for its unique style, growing to around 3,500 locations around the U.S. When it comes to fried chicken meals, Popeye’s has always been my favorite because Cajun food is so hard to come by outside of Louisiana. Their heavily spiced breaded chicken baskets, buttery buttermilk biscuits, and red beans and rice were, and continue to be a special treat.
Wendy’s
If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you can probably remember founder Dave Thomas’ wholesome pitch for a delicious old-fashioned burger and fries at a friendly burger joint named for his daughter, Wendy.Thomas opened Wendy’s in Ohio in 1969, offering the characteristic square-patty burgers on circular buns you still get today. Wendy’s is the third-largest international burger chain, and, in my opinion, offers the purest forms of America’s favorite fast food. Their burgers are perfect in their simplicity.They also make my favorite fast-food milkshake, known as the Chocolate Frosty. There’s no better combination than a frosty and French fries to fulfill a sweet and savory craving. Check out our favorite Wendy’s items for your next visit, whether you’re using SNAP benefits or not!
Pizza Hut
There’s no more popular college student meal than pizza, making Pizza Hut’s creation story even more poignant. Started by brothers and Wichita State University brothers Dan and Frank Carney in 1958, Pizza Hut was an instant hit, growing to 6 restaurants in its first year alone. Today, Pizza Hut has nearly 18,000 locations worldwide and continues to provide millions of college students with study fuel. Of course, pizza is everyone’s favorite comfort food, no matter if you’re a student or not. Pizza Hut is famous for its pan-pizza, with a thicker and denser crust.My favorite pizza at Pizza Hut is the Italian Classic, with Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, roasted red pepper, and mozzarella.
Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s is an innovative fast food concept that makes a pizzaiolo out of any customer. Papa Murphy’s is a take-and-bake pizza restaurant where the client customizes the toppings they want on their pizza, picking up the uncooked pie to pop in the oven at home.While it may not be the fastest fast food concept out there, baking the pizza at home guarantees the freshest, hottest slice on the market. It’s an interactive experience that is both convenient and fun.Papa Murphy’s has a long list of fresh toppings and sauces to adorn their from-scratch pizza dough. They give customers free rein to create any kind of pizza they’d like. I like a thin-crust pizza and chose their gourmet vegetarian, topped with creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella, fresh spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onions, and a three-cheese and herb blend.
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is a family-owned Mexican-Californian fusion restaurant and veritable American dream success story. Founder and Mexican American Pancho Ochoa founded El Pollo Loco in his new California hometown of Los Angeles, selling his Sinaloan family’s famous citrus-marinated grilled chickens. Their unique blend of Mexican and California cuisine won the hearts of locals, and there are now 500 El Pollo Loco restaurants in 6 US states. You won’t find more authentic Mexican food at any other fast food restaurant in America. They serve their famous grilled chicken family-style, with fresh tortillas, rice, beans, pico de gallo, and fresh salsas. They also have single chicken dinners, burritos, tostadas, nachos, and California-style bowls and salads with chicken as the centerpiece. Ironically, my favorite menu item is not chicken, but their authentic beef birria and crunchy birria taco combo.
Carl’s Jr
Originating as a hot dog stand in California in 1941, Carl’s Jr. was the humble dream of Carl Karcher and his wife Margaret to begin an All-American family restaurant.Within 5 years, Carl’s hot dog stand had expanded to 5 Carl’s Jr restaurants, serving their signature charbroiled, made-to-order burgers. Now, Carl’s Jr. has 1000 restaurants across the US as well as locations in 28 countries around the globe.As a Californian company, Carl’s Jr. has come out with alternative-style menu items, being the first fast-food chain to offer a plant-based burger and the first and only chain with CBD-infused burgers. I’m a fan of tradition, so I stick with their tried-and-true original Star burger with cheese.
Blimpie
Known as America’s Sub Shop, Blimpie is a New Jersey-style sub sandwich shop that originated in 1964. The three founders and friends wanted to share the northeastern tradition of deli meats and fresh sub rolls with the rest of the U.S.The name Blimpie was born from the popular ad vehicle, the blimp, which coincidentally looked a lot like their beloved sub sandwich. Blimpie still uses the freshest sliced deli meats and veggies, made to order. They offer cold-cut deli subs, hot subs, paninis, and salads. I can never resist their ultra-comforting meatball parmigiana sub, made with a blend of Italian beef and pork with melted provolone, parmesan, and heaps of hot marinara sauce.Check out our favorite Blimpie’s subs – they accept EBT!
Dairy Queen
Aptly named, Dairy Queen is a historic midwestern American fast-food chain known for inventing soft serve, and subsequently the best frozen dessert menu on the planet. Originating in Illinois in 1940, Dairy Queen was the collaboration of a father and son duo and their ice-cream shop owner friend. Today, Dairy Queen has over 6800 locations worldwide, offering a full menu of burgers, chicken, sandwiches, and desserts. Their soft-serve items include the world-famous dipped cone and Blizzard. I go there for the blizzard alone, my favorite variation being the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard.
Who is eligible to use SNAP benefits at restaurants?
Unfortunately, SNAP benefits have limitations, and in many states no hot or cooked food is eligible under SNAP. To use your benefits at the fast food restaurants listed above, you must be in a state that offers the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
To qualify for RMP benefits, you must be either 60 years or older, disabled, or facing homelessness. Spouses of those who fit any of those criteria may also be eligible for RMP benefits with their spouse.
Which states offer the Restaurant Meals Program?
As of this year, only seven US states currently operate a restaurant meals program under SNAP. Those states include:
- Arizona
- California
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Illinois
New York state has also applied to the USDA, so will soon join the list once approved. Keep in mind that every restaurant location may not participate in these states; restaurants must apply to the program to participate. All of the fast food restaurants above are eligible only in certain locations. Fast food can be as decadent or healthy as you desire, but all fast-food restaurants ensure quick, convenient service. Whether you want breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, a fast food restaurant is never too far away. My list of fast-food restaurants that accept EBT has plenty of delicious options ranging from authentic Mexican food to classic burgers and fries.
126 Comments
Leave a ReplyThis is only in 5 states, and with caveats.
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Starbucks takes SNAP in WA state. Idk about other states
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Lies! Starbucks does NOT or EVER will take SNAP EBT im a wa. state native if your a person who is experiencing homelessness as associated with the EBT lifestyle you will not only be not accepted at Starbucks but the police will be called if you try to use your EBT card at Starbucks straight up!
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It works at the Starbucks in Safeway in az, California, I think everywhere..as long as it’s a cold drink. I even get cheese danishes with them even warmed up.
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Safeway I’m auburn wa takes them I’ve used them there personally and no cops were called so shove it richard
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All that just to be wrong??? the thing i find funny is we give billions of dollars to bullsh*t pet projects but people have an issue with this
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Okay so let’s say for instance your house burnt down and you and your family had nowhere to go no car no nothing where would you be then homeless I think it’s unfair to say that everyone works the system and teaches her kids how to work the system you don’t know everyone neither do I but I know situations happen where people do end up homeless and need help
You should just keep your mouth shut when you don’t know what your talking about. Starbucks does accept snap benefits if it’s the starbucks that is located inside of a safeway supermarket and they will except it 100%.
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I wouldn’t waste my money at a Starbucks whether with cash or EPT card straight up!! How dare you speak about homelessness and Starbucks it doesn’t even compare coffee versus a roof over your head you’re stuck up you’re rude it can happen to anyone one day you have a home and the next you don’t who gives a crap about coffee straight up karma sucks coming your way straight up!!!!
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Nah not true I used my snap at Starbucks inside a grocery store
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Last time I used it in the vons Starbucks was about 3 weeks ago. So either they do or did and you just don’t know what they heck your talking about
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You have to use it at Starbucks in like Safeway or Fred meyers not the main ones
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Not in North Carolina
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Unfortunately so, I would love to see that happen here in NC for all fast food chains!!!
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In va
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But do the accept EBT cash or EBT food stamps
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Stamps
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The fast food restaurants in Indiana don’t except EBT.
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Yea they take the cash not the foodstamps cant buy cook food with stamps
That’s not true. They accept the food stamps s as well.
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Not true
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Mc Donald’s is the only chain that does not accept the food side of EBT only the cash side I was so disappointed someone needs to address that issue with Mickey D’s
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McDonald’s take EBT Foodstamps in California
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Which McDonalds?
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I just came from a McDonald’s in Newport Beach and they do not take EBT!!
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Does this apply for every state city and town
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How do you find out if your county’s or states restaurants take EBT?
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Google it for.your state and city
Only certain states have the RMP Program-Restaurant Meals ProgramReply
Which fastfoods take EBT in fort worth Texas
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Do these chain restaurants accept the EBT CARD all over the USA? OR ARE THERE STATES THAT ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS NEW DISCOVERY.
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I really dont think the ebt card should be able to be used at fastfoods places that should be used only for groceries
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I disagree, everyone should be able to have a little treat now & then. I don’t use Food Stamps, but everyone should be able to have a little break from cooking once in awhile.
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Ahh NO
The free money is break enough!
Only homelessReply
Then, i guess we should cut out all corporate welfare too!!!
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Alrighty then, folks try using your noodles for a moment before you opine in a nonsensical way.
For instance imagine yourself homeless or combo homeless/disabled/elderly with the blessing of ebt to keep you from hunger added to the cold night let’s say.
You cannot access electricity, grills, nor build any fires(period).
Homeless of course actually means that you have no structure to live or handle personal activities in
It’s a rare day in hell that you can “borrow” someone’s kitchen, you have zero access to cold or any food storage. No cookware etc…etc…
Anything you would keep to use, eat, wear etc..you will need to carry on your person at all times…stopping anywhere is greatly discouraged and on and on…
Now, please if you will feel free to educate these folks on your plan for grocery shopping and preparing meals and where shall we actually sit and eat w what utensils/flatware.
As a side note being homeless means literally everything is far more difficult to aquire/achieve and everything costs. A cup of hot water or glass of cold, relieving yourself will cost you a drink purchase minimum, a private shower about 15.00 and you have to get to outskirts for it, etc…
It’s an example of really not knowing till you boogie in those other shoes…their really heavy and you don’t get to be tired regardless.Reply
Why Holly? Those who do not have housing, fast food is a helpful option to get a meal. It is impossible to store groceries without housing. Why limit available food sources? I’d like to hear your reasoning for your comment.
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It’s the generally the furthest from a nutritious meal and since we the tax payers are supporting these systems that also include section 8 and many other hand outs, it really isn’t that crazy that fast food not be an eligible item. Not to mention most folks in MN at least, use welfare as a career, even teach their kids how to milk the system.
Instead of it being a hand up it turns out to be an endless handout..
People have flocked here from Chicago to receive welfare here, despite the fact they still actually reside in ILLINOIS.Every community should pull together and help their neighbor’s in tough times!
I just loathe the teat suckers of our very capable population that feel so entitled that they don’t contribute to the cities and states they benefit greatly from.
That also goes for illegal aliens and immigrants that won’t learn a lick of English to save their life, while undercutting wages only to send it back to the country they desperately fled. Doesn’t do much for our economy.
That’s just my humble opinion.
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That’s exactly true 100% people that have access to refrigerators microwaves stoves or even a toaster wouldn’t understand. Thank you for advocating.
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Some people are homeless and have no way to cook food to get a hot meal
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Do you know this benefits people without fridges like homeless people that receives ebt? Maybe a family that has a emergency like no electricity its good to know they would be able to receive a hot meal.
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Indeed my Brother!! U R one of the few to speak on that.. No hot meals wit EBT, that’s insane.. That makes the people at the bottom hit the very bottom!!
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Seriously? What about homeless people? Not everyone has access to cooking, refrigeration and/or heat. Having a warm meal when it’s cold outside AND you live outside is a pretty big deal.
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Some people don’t have a way to cook their food either. It’s not wrong to be able to have a McDouble or chicken nuggets when you don’t even know where your going to be sleeping that night. As long as it’s not an actual restaurant like a steak house or chilis I think fast food is acceptable.
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What if your stuck no transportation, disabled, alone and on oxygen? You dont know how many ppl are in that situation
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THANKX SOOOO MUCH
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Does every store in every State take the EBT CARD? I’m in New Jersey, Do these Restaurants except The EBT CARD IN ALL NEW JERSEY LOCATIONS????
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This must be a geographical thing because here in Louisville KY Papa Murphys is the only one that does.
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How do we know what our State accepts
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Do these establishments accept ebt in every state?
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From the calls I have made to these establishments in my local town in North Carolina the do not accept EBT/snap. Only certain states do.
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I see that KFC, and Popeyes are mentioned. Is this in a particular county in CA? I m in Los Angeles County I’m in and haven’t seen these available.
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Currently only 6 states out of 50 allow food stamps to be used at fast food joints
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This is convenient for families that can’t afford cash for food especially with large families.
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They only take EBT that is designated for use there. Only people who have no access to a stove or refrigerator get an EBT accepted at these places. It was put in place so homeless or displaced people could get a hot meal and not just have to eat can food or junk food.
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Is it the food part of EBT or the money assistance part?
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When do they start taking ebt in Cincinnati Ohio
See AlsoStore InformationReply
Do these restaurants accept EBT are all over the US or in just select states?
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So how does that is it the cash side or the food side that they take? In what states do they do this in I know papa Murphy’s takes food stamps
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California takes ebt the food part at participating restaurants. It’s designed so homelessness and displaced people can get hot food. So yes, it’s the food part not just the cash part.
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Homeless people get mail and have phones to activate their cards???… Not where I live.
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WHAT STATES ARE INCLUDED WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE FOOD WITH YOUR EBT CARD AT THESE RESTAURANT
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Is that in every state or dose it very from state and participating locations
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Does this apply to fast food places on New York
And exactly do they accept itReply
Not in Michigan does any of those fastfood places accept ebt
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What restaurants in Fort Collins, CO take EBT? THANKS!!!
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Not in my area can you buy fast food with snap. We can’t even buy a heated rotisserie chicken from the grocery store because it’s a hot food
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Hi how do I find out if this applies to my city/ state? North Carolina
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HAPPY to hear that homeless people can buy cook food now hope all restaurants catch on and grocery stores with their cook food thanks to the people made this happen and the restaurant industry has taken a beating with covid now RESCISSION NEED another way to bring in revenue this will help their bottom line
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Which states? I’m in Columbus, Ohio.
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In Los Angeles, Taco Bell does not accept EBT.
Also, nor does McDonald’s.Reply
Does not apply in nj
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I live in the state of Maine and paying with EBT/SNAP is not an option. What states is this acceptable?
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Thanks for the info
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In what states are they accepting snap benefits for fast food?
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Do they accept EBT for restaurants in Columbus ohio
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Is this for all states
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What Restaurants In Suffolk VA Accept The EBT Card
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Not here in Cullman alabama
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With so many people homeless and living on the streets or in their vehicles you would think that all of the states would offer some type of program in their states to offer these people to get a warm meal. especially in the winter months where it is very very cold and particularly to families with children. Would be nice to have more businesses to sign up. This would cut down on people being hungry. Also people that are homeless (most cases) don’t always have an option to cook their food. Just a thought. PS: Most of your southern states offer no such thing at all.
The south offers nothing for anyone. Sadly to say
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This for not in IOWA. In fact we can’t buy Yardley anything that’s pure cooked at all, no chicken at the hyvee deli with out groceries, no energy drinks or beer of course, candy is ok and for some reason bakery cakes, like hyvee bakery birthday cakes, those are ok. So this is ABSOLUTELY a state by state thing IF its true.
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OMG I WAS SURPRISED IN 2016 IN CALIFORNIA WHEN I WAS BUYING SEAFOOD WITH MY EBT. TRAVELING OVER THE ROAD BUT JUST HAVE TO WAIT TIL MISSISSIPPI GET WITH IT AND LET MAJOR CHAINS ACCEPT SNAP FOR PAYMENT. INSTEAD WE HAVE A FEW PLACES THAT TAKE SNAP PAYMENT ??♀️?????
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When will it come to Baltimore Maryland?
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Where are these restaurants that accept ebt?
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Should of done this long time ago
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And in which state is this cause it’s not in Indiana
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Is it for Columbus ms
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This is getting ridiculous good Lord what’s next I could buy a car with it
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What happened to no hot food with EBT? Is this by individual state or is it all states?
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Does these restaurant count in Arkansas
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In what states?
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I live in pa do these fast food restaurants take ebt for food here?
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This includes Texas Houston
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Half of these only take the cash part of EBT. I speak for the people that we all want to know where to go for THE HOT MEALS.
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Not in New York State
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Does this work in Minnesota
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Why haven’t there been any letters or public knowledge other than this put out about this
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That’s great, but all of the restaurants that named don’t honor in all 50 state’s. No it really doesn’t help the world whenever you only have a few states that honor this to where family’s can use there EBT too feed there families. Fix the problem so that all states honor this.
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Is this legit
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This list includes Burger King & Subway, but whenever I go there, they tell me that ebt is not accepted. ( I live in California ). What gives?
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I went to Carl’s Jr in El Monte California jus last week and my EBT card was excepted on the food side. And KFC as well in El Monte. I would suggest people call the places that they our interested in using the EBT. And last but not least, most of the places that except EBT have signs posted outside their front door. I’m going to call Dennys and McDonald’s because I have heard of that. I lived in San Bernardino Ca. last year and was surprised when I was told at KFC that they did not except EBT.
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Well ..I’m in Kansas..so I’m out
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NEW YORK NEEDS ASAP SNAP/EBT RESTAURANTS AVAILABLE ASAP! With inflation, it’s getting serious and the homeless need hot food to.
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So true!
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Just FYI I asked these two places and In Walnut Creek,CA Taco Bell & Jack In The Box do NOT accept the EBT food stamp card. It’s been really challenging to find out which places actually accept it. A lot of places on the list claim California accepts EBT yet I keep being told No
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With so many people homeless and living on the streets or in their vehicles you would think that all of the states would offer some type of program in their states to offer these people to get a warm meal. especially in the winter months where it is very very cold and particularly to families with children. Would be nice to have more businesses to sign up. This would cut down on people being hungry. Also people that are homeless (most cases) don’t always have an option to cook their food. Just a thought. PS: Most of your southern states offer no such thing at all.
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The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is available in ONLY 8 states currently. Participating states are listed towards the end of the article. It is a Pilot Program – so availability is limited while restaurants apply for inclusion. As a result, some of these states only offer RMP in certain areas/counties. Not every restaurant listed participates yet because it’s a fairly new program. Every restaurant must apply and go through a process in order to be eligible to participate in offering hot meals to qualifying EBT recipients. Your best bet would be call establishments in your area to see if they participate, or check your state’s DHS website to determine if the program is even available. If so, they should have participating RPM establishments listed.
I’ve never understood why some people get so upset about someone else needing to rely on food stamps. Why does it bother/offend you so much? Is it really that difficult to show kindness, empathy, and compassion towards others?! With the Pandemic, and inflation at it’s highest in DECADES, Everyone is having a tough go of it – and EVERYONE DESERVES a hot meal – even if they require help obtaining it. How is it okay to judge anyone else’s struggle? While you’re busy pointing a finger at those less fortunate…Maybe you should take a look at the three pointing back at yourself…Reply
I do not understand why this article is so difficult to understand. Did the people with all of these questions actually read the article? Thank you for breaking it down to them but they probably still will not understand. I agree with you totally about people upset that some people get food stamps. Unless you are committing fraud it is extremely difficult to get food stamps. You must be below the poverty level (EXTREMELY POOR) and expected to pay 30% of your own food costs. The RMP program in Maryland is for those SNAP recipients who are 60+ or disabled or homeless. Should these recipients be denied a hot meal? I do not understand why people are so selfish.
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What if your stuck no transportation, disabled, alone and on oxygen? You dont know how many ppl are in that situation.
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Anen!!!! It couldn’t have been stated better. There need to be more people with your mindset to help make this world a little less chilling and heartless to dwell in, as well as journey thru…
You seemed to be a Blessed and highly favored individual. Keep exerting that energy into the atmosphere, as it is being acknowledged by those who care… Continue to be stay blessed, which will allow you to remain a blessingsto others.
Thank U!!!
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Thank you all for understanding that times are hard. I’m 57 and I swear everything is breaking down. My back hurts literally after 5 minutes of standing at the stove. Let alone having arthritis in both hips and fluid on my legs from high blood pressure. Holding down a job now, what? I wish! So yea I am very grateful for the RMP program. People really surprise me how arrogant and condescending they can be. Who doesn’t want to help the ELDERLY, DISABLE OR HOMELESS?!!
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This world is so sad and people so worried about. about someone having a meal from mcdonald’s or Subway .. Lord have mercy on you on judgement day ! Alot of people today are homeless have no way to prepare a meal or store the groceries. These are the ones whom im sure need the ebt more then anyone.. The ones fussing about these issues need to try it someday and see how they like it.. I feel every state should allow hot meals to purchased especially at the grocery stores.
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In Maryland the restaurants except eat food stamps payment, they take from the food stamps.
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How do I get a list of restaurants that participate in the rpm program in Hagerstown md
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Are you part of the SNAP program? Do you have an EBT card to use for groceries and (some) fast food places, if you choose to. Fast Food does not necessarily mean junk food or drive through places. You may want to amend your comment.
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thanks alot of information goodjobs
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@Toby Lynn Johnson I think you are absolutely right ?. You people pointing fingers out at the poor in this country shame on you! I’ll tell you what my husband and I have been married for 32 years and we were teenagers as parents.. We were on food stamps and I thank God every day we had a little bit of help when we were struggling and getting on our feet. Also, through these 32 years we have had go back on them from time to time because life happens and isn’t always easy. In fact it’s very hard. How can you people be so judgemental to those of us who are not rich but do the very best we can in this life? I for one could NEVER deny anyone a bit meal who cares where it comes from!! I’m so glad that the homeless have an opportunity to get a hot meal. Who cares where it comes from!! Unless you have been on EBT DON’T JUDGE!! WHO ARE YOU TO CONCERN YOURSELF WITH WHERE SOMEONE’S MEAL COMES FROM? I’m just thankful that they have a meal. God help you judgemental folks, I’ll pray for you. I hope you never have to know what it feels like to be hungry and homeless. Don’t take things in this life for granted. In an instant they can be taken away.
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When will Texas be on board with EBT at fast food restaurants?
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So, mail is delivered to homeless people? I’m so confused.
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This program is only a few months old, and at this time, only 7 states have approved the Restaurant Food Program for SNAP (including EBT and Independence cards, etc.). They are:
Arizona
California
Illinois
Maryland
Michigan
Rhode Island
Virginia
However, New York has applied for approval, and others won’t be far behind, but even where it’s already up and running, there will be additional limitations and restrictions that may vary from state to state.
Everyone who receives Food Stamps or participates in any of the SNAP food benefit programs, will probably be notified by their state’s Department of Human Resources (Social Services) when their state has approved this Restaurant Food Program, but if you want to check from time to time, to see if (and when) it’s available in your state, you can do so by entering the name of your state in your Search Bar along with the question “Has the EBT Restaurant Food Program been approved in this state?”
You may find that, even when a food chain (like McDonald’s or KFC) is participating in this program, some of its locations may not accept your cards, stamps, etc., so before you head out to the one that’s closest to you, you might want to call the chain’s central Customer Service phone number and confirm that you’ll be able to order your meal without difficulty. This way, if your nearest location isn’t participating, the telephone representative can give you the location of the closest one that is.
Leanne Stack-MartinReply
I think it’s seriously sad that people think a homeless person is receiving any assistance from the GOVERNMENT. SECOND KIDS ARE NOT BEING FEED BECAUSE THE TRICKS ARE SELLING THE FOOD STAMPS AND THOSE CASH CARDS MY TAX MONEY IS PAYING FOR. THEY FEED THE BROKE BOYFRIENDS THAT THEY CONSTANTLY GETTING PREGNANT BY AND THAT’S EVERYONE’S FAULT IF YOU LET THEM TELL IT. THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO STOP SERIOUSLY, IT’S HORRIBLE
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What if it’s approved in my state and in my town we only have one restraunt who even knows about this and accepts it. All the other places u named say no
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Should I just try having em run my card as debit and see if it goes through?
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Rally in San Bernardino takes ebt snap it has to be on the list really but I was surprised…
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Would it be to much to say what states you can actually buy food with card?
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Well I’d like to comment to people who have issues with those on EBT, I have worked since I was 15yo, I’m now 50yo. I’m a nurse of 10y , I’m educated and have several certifications outside of healthcare and in healthcare as well. Two years ago I was hit head on by an impaired driver. I worked as long as I could with the injuries I have, in January of this year the disc touching my spinal cord causing me to shake, and have numbness and tingling in my extremities has caused me to have to take off work. I was a travel nurse so I had some money saved but not nearly enough to pay all my bills beyond 6 months. Now I’m off work and have depleted my savings so I had to apply for EBT, finally 2 months later I’m approved. Now that being said, I believe you should at the very least be able to purchase the hot deli foods at your local grocery store because there days that my arms shake so bad that I can’t cook or even fix a meal. If I was able to get something from the hot box at Walmart or rotisserie chicken from Kroger I’d be able to eat a meal instead of eating chips and a slice of cheese on bread. So when anyone says you shouldn’t be able to buy restaurant food, I think that is messed up. I think you should be able to maybe not the entire months worth of it but at least once a week, maybe or something!
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ENOUGH ALREADY! LEAVE RICHARD ALONE. you don’t all have to jump on the band wagon. So that was Richards experience, and he assumed all Starbucks are like that. So what. I’m sure all of you have better things to do then have “a go” say him for being wrong. None of you have ever been wrong about anything ?? Now knock it off
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Written by Brian Nagele
Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.
As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy co*cktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.
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