Understanding EBT and SNAP Benefits at Restaurants
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is the modern method through which Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are delivered to eligible households across the United States. While most people associate EBT with grocery store purchases, a lesser-known provision called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows certain individuals to use their SNAP benefits at approved restaurants in participating states.
The standard SNAP program restricts purchases to unprepared food items at authorized retailers, which includes grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some convenience stores. However, the Restaurant Meals Program was created to address the needs of specific populations who may have difficulty preparing meals at home due to age, disability, or housing circumstances. Understanding how this program works, who qualifies, and where you can use your benefits is essential for maximizing the assistance available to you.
It is important to note that the Restaurant Meals Program is not available in every state and is not accessible to all SNAP recipients. The program has specific eligibility requirements that vary by state, and only restaurants that have been approved by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service can accept EBT payments under this program. This guide will help you navigate these requirements and find dining options in your area.
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program is an optional component of SNAP that individual states can choose to implement. It was designed primarily to help three groups of people who face barriers to preparing meals at home: elderly individuals aged 60 and older, disabled individuals who are unable to cook for themselves, and homeless individuals who lack access to cooking facilities.
When a state opts into the Restaurant Meals Program, it works with the USDA to establish guidelines and approve specific restaurants where eligible EBT cardholders can purchase prepared meals. These restaurants must apply for approval and meet certain criteria, including offering meals at affordable prices and agreeing to follow program regulations. The restaurants receive payment through the same electronic processing system used for regular SNAP transactions at grocery stores.
The RMP does not provide additional benefits beyond what a person already receives through SNAP. Instead, it simply expands the types of vendors where those existing benefits can be spent. If you receive $200 per month in SNAP benefits, you can use a portion of that amount at approved restaurants, but your total benefit amount remains the same.
Which States Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program
As of 2026, the Restaurant Meals Program is available in a limited number of states. Not every state has chosen to implement the program, and among those that have, participation levels vary significantly. Here are the states and territories where the RMP is currently active.
California has the most extensive Restaurant Meals Program in the country, with thousands of approved restaurants across the state. Major fast-food chains like Subway, Burger King, Denny's, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, Domino's, and several regional chains participate in California. The program is available in most California counties and serves a large population of eligible seniors, disabled individuals, and homeless persons.
Arizona operates a Restaurant Meals Program in several counties, including Maricopa County (Phoenix), Pima County (Tucson), and others. Participating restaurants in Arizona tend to be a mix of fast-food chains and local eateries. Rhode Island has a statewide RMP with a growing number of participating restaurants. Michigan recently expanded its program to include additional counties and restaurant partners.
Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois have pilot programs or limited implementations in specific counties. Other states periodically evaluate whether to adopt the RMP, and the list of participating states can change from year to year. If your state is not listed here, contact your local SNAP office or visit the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service website for the most current information.
How to Find EBT-Accepting Restaurants Near You
Finding restaurants that accept EBT near your location requires a combination of online tools, local resources, and direct inquiry. Here are the most effective methods for locating eligible dining options.
The USDA SNAP Retailer Locator is the most comprehensive and up-to-date tool for finding authorized SNAP retailers, including restaurants participating in the RMP. Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website and use their store locator tool. You can search by address, city, or zip code and filter results to show only restaurants. The tool displays the name, address, and type of each authorized retailer in your area.
State EBT program websites often maintain lists of approved restaurants in their jurisdiction. California's CalFresh program, for example, publishes a searchable database of all restaurants participating in the state's RMP. Check your state's SNAP or EBT program website for similar resources specific to your area.
Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card. Customer service representatives can provide information about the Restaurant Meals Program in your state, confirm your eligibility, and help you locate participating restaurants near you. This is particularly helpful if you are having trouble finding information online.
Ask restaurants directly. If you see a restaurant that you think might accept EBT, do not hesitate to call or visit and ask. Look for signs near the register or on the door that indicate SNAP or EBT acceptance. Some restaurants display the Quest or EBT logo, while others may not advertise their participation prominently.
Popular Restaurant Chains That Accept EBT
In states where the Restaurant Meals Program is active, several well-known restaurant chains have been approved to accept EBT payments. While availability varies by location and state, here are some of the most commonly participating chains.
Subway is one of the most widely participating restaurant chains in the RMP, with locations across California and Arizona accepting EBT. Their affordable sandwich options make them a practical choice for EBT cardholders. Burger King participates in the RMP in California, offering their full menu to eligible EBT users. Denny's accepts EBT at numerous locations in California, providing sit-down dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Jack in the Box participates in the California RMP, as do Pizza Hut and Domino's at select locations. Papa Murphy's is a unique case because they sell take-and-bake pizzas that are uncooked when purchased, which means they can accept regular SNAP benefits (not just RMP) at many locations nationwide, since the pizza qualifies as an unprepared food item.
Beyond chains, many independent and locally owned restaurants participate in the RMP, especially in California. These include ethnic restaurants, diners, delis, and cafes that cater to their local communities. Local restaurants often offer some of the best value and most diverse food options for EBT users.
Grocery Stores and Prepared Foods: An Important Distinction
Even in states without a Restaurant Meals Program, there are ways to purchase prepared foods with your EBT card. Many grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs have deli counters, hot food bars, and bakeries where you can buy ready-to-eat meals using regular SNAP benefits, as long as the food is sold by a SNAP-authorized retailer.
For example, stores like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Costco all accept EBT and sell a variety of prepared foods including rotisserie chickens, deli sandwiches, salads, soups, sushi, and bakery items. Some stores even have full cafeteria-style dining areas where you can purchase hot meals with your EBT card.
The key distinction is between a food item sold by a grocery retailer (eligible for regular SNAP) and a meal sold by a restaurant (requires RMP). A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli is typically SNAP-eligible, while a chicken dinner at a sit-down restaurant requires RMP authorization. This distinction can be confusing, but understanding it helps you maximize your food purchasing options.
Tips for Maximizing Your SNAP Benefits
Whether you use your EBT card at grocery stores, farmers markets, or participating restaurants, there are several strategies to stretch your benefits further and ensure you have access to nutritious, satisfying meals throughout the month.
Plan your meals for the week before shopping. Creating a meal plan and shopping list helps you avoid impulse purchases and ensures you buy only what you need. Many community organizations offer free meal planning resources and budget-friendly recipe collections specifically designed for SNAP recipients.
Shop at farmers markets that accept EBT. Many farmers markets now accept SNAP benefits, and some offer bonus programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which match your SNAP spending dollar for dollar on fresh fruits and vegetables. This effectively doubles your purchasing power for produce, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet on a limited budget.
Buy in bulk for staple items like rice, beans, pasta, canned goods, and frozen vegetables. These items have long shelf lives and provide the foundation for countless affordable meals. Compare unit prices rather than total prices to identify the best deals, and do not overlook store brands, which are often identical in quality to name brands at significantly lower prices.
If you believe you are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program but are unsure about your status, contact your local SNAP office to inquire. Program eligibility is determined based on your individual circumstances, and caseworkers can help you understand what benefits are available to you. Taking advantage of every program and resource available ensures that you and your family have reliable access to nutritious food.
