Food Places That Take EBT: A Complete Guide

If you use an EBT card, you might sometimes wonder what food places accept it. EBT, which stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a system that allows people receiving SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to pay for groceries and sometimes meals using a special debit-like card. While most people use their EBT card at grocery stores or farmers’ markets, there are also certain restaurants and food places that take EBT, depending on where you live.

The availability of EBT-friendly food places depends on state rules and local programs. One of the main ones is called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). It allows people who may not be able to cook at home, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or those who are homeless, to buy hot prepared meals at participating restaurants. This is very helpful because it gives access to fresh, ready-to-eat food without needing a kitchen.

In this article, we will go through the types of food places that take EBT, examples of restaurants and fast-food chains that participate, and how you can find locations near you.

Grocery Stores That Take EBT

The most common food places that take EBT are grocery stores and supermarkets. Almost every major grocery chain across the U.S. accepts EBT. With your EBT card, you can purchase eligible food items such as:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Bread and cereals

• Snack foods

• Seeds and plants that grow food

Some well-known grocery stores that accept EBT include:

• Walmart

• Kroger

• Safeway

• Publix

• Aldi

• Whole Foods

• Trader Joe’s

Even convenience stores and local corner markets often accept EBT, though their selection might be smaller. Many states also allow EBT cards to be used at farmers’ markets, which is a great way to buy fresh, local produce.

Fast Food Restaurants That Take EBT

Not all fast food restaurants accept EBT, but some do under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program is only available in select states like California, Arizona, Michigan, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, and Illinois. If your state does not participate in RMP, you cannot use EBT at fast food restaurants.

Some popular fast-food chains that may take EBT in approved states include:

• Subway

• Pizza Hut

• Taco Bell

• KFC

• Burger King

• Domino’s Pizza

• Popeyes

• El Pollo Loco

• Jack in the Box

• Carl’s Jr.

This is very helpful for people who may not have access to a stove or kitchen to prepare meals at home. Keep in mind that availability depends on location, so always check before going.

Sit-Down Restaurants That Take EBT

Some sit-down restaurants also participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. These are usually affordable chain restaurants or local diners. The idea is to give people with limited cooking ability the option of a balanced meal in a restaurant setting.

Examples of sit-down restaurants that may take EBT include:

• Denny’s

• IHOP

• Olive Garden (in some areas)

• Local family-owned diners in RMP states

Again, participation depends on the state and the specific restaurant, so not every location of these chains will accept EBT.

Bakeries and Coffee Shops That Take EBT

While most coffee shops like Starbucks do not officially accept EBT, there are exceptions. Some Starbucks located inside grocery stores like Target or Safeway may accept it because they are considered part of the grocery retailer.

Certain local bakeries and donut shops that are part of the Restaurant Meals Program may also accept EBT. For example, donut shops in California are known to participate in the RMP program.

Online Food Ordering with EBT

In recent years, online shopping with EBT has expanded. Many large retailers now allow people to order groceries online and pay with EBT. This is especially useful for people who may have mobility issues or prefer delivery.

Some online food platforms that take EBT include:

• Amazon Fresh

• Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery

• Instacart (partnered with stores like Aldi, Safeway, and Food Lion)

• FreshDirect (in some states)

It’s important to note that delivery fees, tips, and service charges cannot be paid with EBT. You can only pay for eligible food items.

States That Offer Restaurant Meals Program

Currently, only a few states offer the Restaurant Meals Program, but more may join in the future. As of now, the main states include:

• California (widely available across many counties)

• Arizona

• Michigan

• Rhode Island

• Maryland

• Virginia

• Illinois

If you live in one of these states, you can check your local county website or call your SNAP office to see which restaurants near you take EBT.

How to Find Food Places That Take EBT

Finding food places that accept EBT is easier than you might think. Here are some ways to check:

1. Look for an EBT or SNAP sign on the restaurant’s door or at the checkout counter.

2. Call ahead and ask if they accept EBT.

3. Check your state SNAP website for a list of participating restaurants.

4. Use Google Maps by typing “restaurants that take EBT near me.”

5. Ask your local SNAP office for a directory of approved food places.

Benefits of Using EBT at Restaurants

Using EBT at food places has many benefits, especially for people who may not be able to cook at home. Some of the main benefits include:

• Access to hot meals for seniors or homeless individuals.

• More variety in food options.

• Convenience when traveling or without a working kitchen.

• Flexibility in choosing where to eat.

Things You Cannot Buy with EBT

Even though EBT covers many food items, there are restrictions. You cannot use EBT to buy:

• Alcohol

• Tobacco

• Pet food

• Household supplies (like soap or cleaning products)

• Vitamins or medicine

• Hot prepared food (unless in RMP-approved areas)

Conclusion

Food places that take EBT offer a much-needed service for many families and individuals across the U.S. While grocery stores are the most common option, certain fast-food chains, sit-down restaurants, and bakeries also participate in the Restaurant Meals Program in select states. With the growth of online grocery ordering, using EBT has become more convenient than ever before.

If you’re not sure whether a restaurant or food place near you accepts EBT, it’s always best to check your state SNAP office or ask directly at the store. Access to healthy and ready-to-eat meals is an important part of making food benefits more flexible and useful for everyone.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use EBT at fast food restaurants everywhere?
No, only in states that are part of the Restaurant Meals Program, such as California, Arizona, and Michigan.

Q2: Does Subway take EBT?
Yes, but only at certain locations in RMP-approved states.

Q3: Can I buy pizza with EBT?
Yes, if the pizza place participates in the Restaurant Meals Program. Otherwise, you can buy frozen pizza from grocery stores.