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All 500+ Restaurants that Accept EBT

Navigating the often-confusing world of government benefits can be a daunting task. From understanding what you are eligible for, to knowing where to use your benefits, it can seem like an impossible task. 

One benefit that many people have access to is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which allows those who qualify to purchase food from approved retailers. Knowing which restaurants accept SNAP/EBT can make life easier for those who rely on this program and allow them more options when it comes time for meals. 

To help out, I’ve compiled a list of all 500+ restaurants that accept EBT so you know exactly where you can go with your benefits!

What is EBT?

EBT is a program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It provides financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase food from approved retailers. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the largest program under the EBT system.

What is EBT

To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and resource limits set by the government. Your income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level, and your resources must be less than $2,750 if you do not have any household members who are elderly or disabled. If you have household members who are elderly or disabled, your resources must be less than $4,250.

When you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will be issued an EBT card, which looks like a debit or credit card. The card is linked to your SNAP account, and you can use it to purchase eligible food items at approved retailers. 

Exclusions…

It’s important to note that EBT cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as cleaning supplies, pet food, and vitamins. Additionally, EBT cannot be used to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.

The purpose of the EBT program is to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food to maintain a healthy diet. By providing financial assistance for food, the program aims to reduce food insecurity and improve the health of low-income Americans.

What Can You Buy with EBT?

EBT cards can be used to buy a wide range of food items, including fruits, vegetables, canned foods, cooking oils, poultry, red meat, seafood, pork, dairy products, bread, cereals, desserts, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and even seeds and plants for producing food. 

However, there are also some items that cannot be purchased with EBT cards, such as beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store), hot foods, and non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, pet food, hygiene items, and cosmetics.

What Can You Buy with EBT

What is the Restaurant Meals Program?

The Restaurant Meals Program is a service that allows eligible users of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) to buy hot meals from participating restaurants with their food benefits. While the option to participate in the program is decided on a state-by-state basis, most states have declined the program

The range of eligibility for this service is quite narrow and is generally limited to those who are homeless or do not have access to a place where they can prepare their own meals due to age, disability, or other reasons. 

The program has been available since 1977; however, its participation has not been substantial. For those who meet the eligibility criteria, the program can be a helpful resource that provides access to hot and nutritious meals from nearby restaurants.

How Do I Apply to The Restaurant Meals Program?

In order to be approved for the Restaurant Meals Program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Generally, you must fall into one of the following categories:

* You are homeless

* You are over the age of 60 and have no other reliable access to prepared meals 

* You have a disability and do not have access to adequate cooking facilities

In addition, you must also be enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and have a valid EBT card. You can apply for SNAP benefits through your local Department of Social Services or Human Services office. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can then fill out the Restaurant Meals Program application form and submit it to your local department office. 

Once approved, you will be issued a special EBT card that can be used to purchase meals from participating restaurants. Keep in mind that the amount of money you can spend using your EBT card is limited, and you will still need to follow the SNAP food eligibility guidelines.

How Do I Apply to The Restaurant Meals Program

What States are Involved?

Did you know that not all states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program? Currently, the following states have chosen to participate in the program:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • Virginia

However, some of these states, such as Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, and Virginia, don’t publish much information about the program.

On the other hand, the following states have decided not to enact the Restaurant Meals Program:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa 
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

However, it’s worth noting that some of these states may offer other EBT discounts, freebies, and programs that can benefit eligible individuals and families. So, if you live in a state that doesn’t offer the Restaurant Meals Program, check with your local FNS office to see what other benefits may be available to you.

All 500+ Restaurants that Accept EBT

As mentioned above, not all restaurants in the United States accept EBT/SNAP. However, there are over 500+ restaurant locations across the United States that accept EBT/SNAP benefits. Here is a list of all that accept EBT/SNAP: 

Fast Food Chains

  • Arby’s
  • Burger King
  • Carl’s Jr.
  • Dairy Queen
  • Del Taco
  • Denny’s
  • Domino’s Pizza
  • El Pollo Loco
  • Jack in the Box
  • KFC
  • Little Caesar’s Pizza
  • McDonald’s
  • Panda Express
  • Pizza Hut
  • Popeye’s
  • Rally’s Hamburger
  • Subway
  • Taco Bell
  • Wendy’s
  • Wing Stop

Fast Food Chains

Mexican

  • Chix N Mex (AZ)
  • Church’s Chicken 955 (AZ)
  • Eat Fresh Mexican Food (AZ)
  • El Huero (CA)
  • El Merendero (CA)
  • Chavez Polo & Burger (CA)
  • Carnitas Michoacán (CA)
  • Hamburguesas La Chiquita (AZ)

Italian

  • Captain Tony’s Pizza (AZ)
  • Ceiba Restaurant (CA)
  • Italian Express Pizzeria (MI)
  • Nikko’s Family Restaurant (CA)

Bakery & Cafe

  • Foundry Bakehouse and Deli (MI)
  • Emma’s Coffee House (MI)
  • Breadless (MI)
  • Le Pardis Bakery and Cafe (CA)
  • Harris & Smith Coffee Company (AZ)
  • Helpings Cafe and Market (AZ)

BBQ

  • Dickey’s BBQ Pit
  • Burton Village BBQ Company (MI)
  • Smoke Dem Bones BBQ (AZ)

Seafood

  • Angie’s Lobster (AZ)
  • Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood (IL)

Pizza

  • Papa John’s
  • Ray’s Pizza and Chicken (MI)
  • Sally’s Whatta Pizza (MI)
  • Federal Hill Pizza Restaurant (RI)

Pizza

Burger

  • Rally’s Hamburgers
  • Arnold’s Burgers (CA)
  • Broadways Food Corner (CA)
  • B&R’s Old Fashion Burger (CA)
  • Bravo Burger (CA)
  • Lenny’s Burger (AZ)

Subs and Sandwiches

  • Firehouse Subs
  • Submarine Port (MI)

Chicken

  • Church’s Chicken (CA)

Asian

  • Figami Asian Fresh (AZ)
  • Senor Sushi (AZ)
  • Chinatown Express (CA)
  • Chinese Express (CA)

Wings

  • Wing Heaven Sports Haven (MI)

Other

  • NK Gyros (AZ)
  • T and Y Hawaiian BBQ (AZ)
  • El Arka Bakery & Restaurant (CA)
  • Holy Cow! Creamery (MI)
  • Sheeba Express (MI)
  • 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant (MD)

How To Get A Restaurant to Accept EBT?

To get restaurants to accept EBT in your area, you can take the following steps:

Contact your local government office

Your local government office can provide information on benefit programs and regulations in your area. They may also have resources to help you find restaurants that accept the card.

Reach out to local restaurants

Contact local restaurants and ask if they accept EBT. If they do not, ask if they would consider accepting it. You can also explain the benefits of the program, such as the potential for increased business and reaching a new customer base.

Reach out to local restaurants

Spread the word

Share information about EBT and the benefits of accepting it with other community members. This can help create demand for EBT acceptance in local restaurants.

Collaborate with community organizations

Work with community organizations, such as food banks or advocacy groups, to promote acceptance in local restaurants. They may have existing relationships with restaurants that could help facilitate the process.

Lobby local lawmakers

Reach out to local lawmakers to express your support for expanding acceptance in your area. They may be able to advocate for policy changes or incentives to encourage more restaurants to accept the card.

By taking these steps, you can help increase EBT acceptance in your area and provide more options for individuals who rely on it for food assistance.

Is It Legal Or Not To Use EBT At Restaurants?

The legality of using EBT at restaurants depends on whether the state you live in participates in the Restaurant Meals Program. This program is part of the federal Food Stamps Act and allows eligible EBT users to purchase hot meals from participating restaurants with their food benefits. However, the decision to establish a restaurant meal program is made at the state level, and most states have declined to participate.

Is It Legal Or Not To Use EBT At Restaurants

Do I Need A Special EBT Card To Use At Restaurants?

No, you do not need a different card to use at restaurants if you live in a state that does participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Your regular card can be used to purchase hot meals from participating restaurants. However, not all users are eligible for this program, and eligibility requirements may vary by state.

Will I Be Charged Sales Tax For Meals Bought With EBT?

When you use your government-issued card to buy food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you won’t be charged sales tax. This federal program is designed to assist people with low income, and it prohibits states from imposing sales tax on food items that are paid for using the SNAP card. 

This is because taxing food purchases can increase financial strain on those who are already experiencing food insecurity. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that some states may still charge sales tax on non-food items, which is why it’s recommended that you contact your local office that handles the SNAP program for more detailed information regarding sales tax exemptions. 

Nonetheless, you can be sure that you won’t have to pay sales tax on qualifying food items when you use your SNAP card.

Can I Use My EBT Benefits At A Restaurant In Another State?

Unfortunately, the use of EBT benefits at a restaurant varies by state, and not all states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Even if the state you are traveling to has the Restaurant Meals Program, eligibility rules may differ from your home state. 

Therefore, it is advisable to check with the state’s EBT office and the participating restaurants in advance to confirm if you can use your EBT benefits at restaurants while traveling to another state. It is also important to note that some states may require that you use your EBT benefits at approved restaurants within that state only.

Got More Questions about EBT?

Then find the answers you need in our comprehensive guides to Does Walgreens Accept EBT Wic and Food StampsDoes Starbucks Take EBT for your delicious morning coffee, or perhaps, Does Target Take EBTDoes Trader Joes Takes EBT Card, or Does Whole Foods Take EBT for your healthy family grocery run in 2023.

Or. maybe you’ve been wondering Does Dollar General Accept EBT and Food StampsDoes Sams Club Take EBTDoes Costco Take EBTDoes Target Take EBT, or if you’re craving a ‘Happy Meal,’ Does McDonalds Take EBT?

Final Thoughts

Using EBT at restaurants can provide an important source of sustenance for people who rely on the program to meet their food needs. Although the use of EBT at restaurants varies by state and local regulations, there are steps you can take in your area to promote greater acceptance and availability. 

By working with local government offices, restaurants, community organizations, and other stakeholders, you can help ensure that more individuals have access to the food they need. With the right approach, you can help make sure that all individuals have access to a healthy and nutritious meal. That’s something worth working for! 

Good luck with getting a delicious hot meal.

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