Does Popeyes Take EBT? A State-By-State Overview
A lot of SNAP recipients are still curious about using their EBT cards at fast-food places like Popeyes. Some people say it works, others say it doesn’t, and no one seems to have a clear answer.
The rules around using EBT at restaurants are complex, and they vary by state.
So let’s break it down. In this guide, we’ll answer “Does Popeyes take EBT?” in detail and give you a state-by-state overview of where you can use your benefits at Popeyes.
1. Does Popeyes Take EBT?
Yes, there are many Popeyes locations that accept EBT. Whether or not you can use your EBT card at Popeyes depends on your state’s participation in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and whether that specific Popeyes location is approved to accept EBT.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a specialized extension of SNAP for eligible participants: elderly individuals (age 60+), people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and the spouse of someone in any of the categories above.
RMP allows eligible SNAP recipients to use their EBT card to purchase hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants.
However, not every state or county offers this program. RMP must be adopted at the state level and implemented by local governments. Even within participating states, only certain restaurants are approved to accept EBT through RMP.
As of now, the following states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Within these states, only selected restaurants, including several Popeyes locations, are authorized to accept EBT under the program.
2. How to Know If Popeyes Near You Accepts EBT
As discussed above, not all Popeyes locations accept EBT, even in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). If you want to find out whether a Popeyes near you takes EBT, here’s how to:
Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator
It is the official USDA tool for finding SNAP-approved retailers. Enter your ZIP code or full address to search for nearby locations. Look for Popeyes in the list or on the map.
Use State RMP Restaurant Lists
Most participating states publish a list of approved RMP restaurants. These are updated regularly and may include specific Popeyes locations.
Call or Visit the Popeyes Location
It’s always a good idea to call the restaurant directly and ask if it accepts EBT.
3. Where Popeyes May Accept EBT (State-by-State Overview)
In fact, instead of asking “Can I use EBT at Popeyes?” the better question is: “Where can I use EBT at Popeyes?”
Below is a quick look at some areas in each state where you may be able to find one or more Popeyes locations that accept EBT through the RMP.
(Disclaimer: This list is based on information compiled from official state RMP websites.)
For exact addresses, visit your state’s official RMP or SNAP website. Since participating restaurants and locations can change over time, it’s a good idea to check for the most recent updates whenever needed.
Arizona
Tucson: 7111 E 22nd St
California
- Alameda
- Butte
- Contra Costa
- Fresno
- Kern
- Kings
- Los Angeles
- Merced
- Orange
- Placer
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Joaquin
- Santa Clara
- Shasta
- Solano
- Stanislaus
- Sutter
- Tulare
- Tucson
- Yuba
Illinois
Popeyes does not now accept EBT at any location in the state.
Maryland
Popeyes does not now accept EBT at any location in the state.
Massachusetts
Popeyes does not now accept EBT at any location in the state.
- Grand Rapids: 2446 28th St SE
- Kentwood: 5448 Division Ave SE
- Greenville (Montcalm County): 1831 W Washington St
- Muskegon: 1861 E Apple Ave
- Waterford (Oakland County): 501 N Telegraph Rd
New York
- Bronx
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan
- Queens
Rhode Island
Popeyes does not now accept EBT at any location in the state.
Virginia
Popeyes does not now accept EBT at any location in the state.
(Reminder: States not listed below do not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. That means no Popeyes, or any other restaurant, in those states will accept EBT.)
If you want to find out whether a Popeyes near you takes EBT, visit your state’s official RMP website or call the restaurant directly.
4. Fast Food That Takes EBT
Thanks to the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), eligible SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards to buy hot, prepared meals at approved fast-food chains. We’re talking burgers, tacos, pizza – the kind of stuff you normally can’t get with SNAP.
Sounds surprising? That’s because this only applies to specific situations. You have to be elderly, disabled, or homeless. You also have to live in a state that offers RMP, and even then, it’s only certain counties and specific restaurant locations.
Burger King, Subway, and Popeyes often show up on the list of RMP-approved restaurants in places like California. But it’s not just them.
You’ll sometimes see Taco Bell, Domino’s, KFC, El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box, and Carl’s Jr. as well.
- Burger King
- Subway
- Popeyes
- Taco Bell
- Domino’s Pizza
- KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
- El Pollo Loco
- Pizza Hut
- Jack in the Box
- Carl’s Jr.
These fast food chains may accept EBT under the RMP, depending on location and approval.
So, how do you know for sure?
Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator, check with your state’s website, or call the fast-food location directly and ask: “Do you accept EBT through the RMP?” That way, you’re getting real answers.
5. Low-Income Benefit Tip: Get a Free Phone with EBT
You aren’t the only person receiving SNAP who’s looking for more value from your benefits. Plenty of low-income individuals are also trying to access affordable phones, tablets, and internet service.
So why not take advantage of programs already built to help?
The Lifeline program gives you access to free or discounted phone or internet services. Providers like AirTalk Wireless make the process simple and offer phones or tablets for free or nearly free. If you’re on SNAP, you may qualify for Lifeline.
You just enter your ZIP code, choose a plan, and if eligible, pick a free device. Some states don’t even require you to upload documents; they’ll verify your SNAP eligibility automatically.
In a few simple steps, you could walk away with a free smartphone, monthly talk/text/data, and one less bill to worry about.
>> Read more: Free iPhone With EBT: Eligibility And Application Guide [Latest]
FAQs
Can you buy chicken with EBT?
Based on SNAP guidelines, you can buy chicken with EBT as long as it’s raw, frozen, canned, or otherwise uncooked. However, you can’t use EBT to buy hot, prepared chicken (like from KFC or Popeyes) unless it’s through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Does Popeyes take EBT in California?
Yes, many Popeyes locations in California accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). You can find detailed, up-to-date information on which locations accept EBT by visiting the official California RMP website or checking with your local county office.
Does Popeyes take EBT in New York?
Yes, many Popeyes locations in New York accept EBT through the RMP. Visit the official New York RMP website or check with your local county office to find out which locations accept EBT near you.
Does Target take EBT?
Target accepts EBT/SNAP benefits both in-store and online for eligible grocery items.
Does Trader Joe’s take EBT?
Trader Joe’s accepts EBT cards at all of its store locations across the U.S. If you’re enrolled in SNAP, you can use your benefits at any Trader Joe’s to buy eligible grocery items.
Does Instacart take EBT?
Instacart lets SNAP recipients buy groceries online from stores like ALDI, Costco, Kroger, and Publix.
Can you use EBT on DoorDash?
DoorDash accepts EBT/SNAP payments for eligible grocery items.
Does Burger King accept EBT?
Many Burger King locations accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator, check with your state’s website, or call the Burger King location directly and ask if it accepts EBT.
Does Taco Bell take EBT?
Burger King, Subway, and Popeyes often show up on the list of RMP-approved restaurants in places like California. You’ll also see Taco Bell, Domino’s, KFC, El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box, and Carl’s Jr. as well.
Conclusion
As SNAP recipients, it’s natural to want clarity and convenience, especially when it comes to using your benefits. EBT acceptance at Popeyes depends on your state, your eligibility for the RMP, and whether a specific location is approved. Take the time to understand the rules and verify with your local restaurants.
