Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT? Eligible Restaurants by State
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Millions of Americans want clarity on can you buy fast food with EBT as rules vary widely between states. The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) lets qualified SNAP users such as older adults, people with disabilities, or those without stable housing pay for hot meals at selected restaurants and fast-food chains.
1. Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT?
Yes, you can buy fast food with EBT, but only in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This optional SNAP program allows certain eligible recipients to pay for hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants, including selected fast-food chains.
RMP is designed to support people who cannot cook or store food, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Eligibility is typically limited to:
- People aged 60 or older
- People with disabilities or receiving disability benefits
- Homeless individuals
- Spouses of the above groups
Only restaurants approved by both the state and USDA may accept EBT for prepared meals. Each state publishes and updates its list of participating fast-food chains and local restaurants on its official website.
Currently, RMP is available in several states across the U.S. It may apply statewide or only in specific counties, so you should always check your state’s latest list.
Can you buy fast food with EBT in California?
California runs the largest and most comprehensive RMP in the country. It operates statewide rather than being limited to select counties, allowing eligible CalFresh (SNAP) recipients to use EBT to pay for prepared meals at approved restaurants.
Popular participating chains include Subway, Jack in the Box, El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, KFC, Wendy’s, Del Taco, Church’s Chicken, Carl’s Jr., and Popeyes. Each county regularly updates its list of approved locations on its official site.
Beyond California, states such as Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia also offer RMP, although most limit the program to certain counties or restaurants.
What can you buy with EBT in Wyoming?
Wyoming does not participate in RMP. In Wyoming, EBT can only be used for eligible grocery items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, cereals, snacks, and seeds or plants for home gardening. Hot foods, restaurant meals, alcohol, tobacco, and vitamins are not permitted.
>>> Read more: Restaurants That Accept EBT: Where To Use EBT At Restaurants
2. What Fast Food Can You Buy With EBT?
When you are eligible under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and in a participating state, fast food you can buy with EBT generally includes hot, prepared meals sold at approved fast-food chains and/or restaurant locations.
That means items like tacos, burritos, grilled chicken sandwiches, fries, etc., from fast food restaurants that are RMP vendors. Non-prepared grocery foods are also allowed, but here we’re focusing on what you can order at fast food restaurants with EBT.
For example, Taco Bell is among the most well-known restaurants in the US. And does Taco Bell accept EBT?
Taco Bell does accept EBT, but only at certain locations in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This means not every Taco Bell restaurant takes EBT, only those approved under the RMP are eligible.
Some Taco Bell restaurants in California, Arizona, Michigan, and other states are included in the official RMP lists. To use EBT at Taco Bell, you must:
- Be a SNAP recipient who meets your state’s RMP eligibility criteria (for example, seniors, people with disabilities, or individuals experiencing homelessness).
- Use an EBT card that is coded/approved for RMP transactions.
- Visit a Taco Bell location that is listed as an RMP-approved restaurant in your state (not all Taco Bell stores participate).
3. What Can I Buy with EBT Beyond Fast Food?
If your state does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) or you’re not using EBT for fast food, you can still purchase a wide variety of eligible items under the SNAP program. Popular categories include:
Fruits & vegetables
You’re allowed to buy fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables.
100% fruit or vegetable juice with a “Nutrition Facts” label is also accepted.
Meat, poultry & seafood
EBT covers fresh, frozen, or canned meat, poultry, salmon, tuna, and other fish.
Plant-based protein options like beans or meat substitutes are typically eligible as well.
Milk & dairy products
This includes whole, low-fat, and unsweetened milk, as well as plant-based milks such as soy or oat milk with proper nutrition labels.
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream are also approved.
Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages
Chips, cookies, packaged snacks, popcorn, and similar items are usually allowed.
Soft drinks, sodas, carbonated beverages, bottled fruit juices, and other non-alcoholic drinks with a “Nutrition Facts” label can also be purchased with EBT.
4. Maximize Benefits With EBT
Beyond using EBT to buy groceries or fast food in states with RMP, you can also expand your benefits through government assistance programs. One of the most valuable options is the Lifeline Program, which helps EBT cardholders access affordable or even free telecommunications and internet services.
Launched by the FCC in 1985, Lifeline provides subsidized rates on landline, mobile, or internet services for low-income households. People receiving SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, SSI, or other qualifying assistance programs are often eligible.
Key Lifeline benefits for EBT Users:
- Discounted monthly costs for mobile or internet services, making bills far lower than standard market rates.
- Free or near-free talk, text, and data plans, depending on your state and provider.
- Free SIM cards and sometimes free or discounted smartphones or devices when the provider offers promotions under Lifeline.
One of the standout companies partnering with Lifeline is AirTalk Wireless, which offers clear perks for EBT/SNAP recipients:
- Free or discounted mobile service plans under Lifeline for eligible participants (including EBT/SNAP holders).
- A free phone or device when signing up
- Free or very low-cost monthly talk, text, and data plans.
- In some cases, discounted internet or Wi-Fi packages to help EBT users gain better access to information, education, and online job opportunities.
Final Words
When you understand can you buy fast food with EBT, you unlock new ways to use your benefits for both food and essential services. From fast-food restaurants under RMP to Lifeline’s discounted mobile and internet plans, these resources help low-income households save money and stay connected.
Visit your state’s official site now to see which restaurants and programs you qualify for and start maximizing your benefits today
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