Can You Buy Rotisserie Chicken with EBT?
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For SNAP beneficiaries, EBT is the card that they use to purchase groceries monthly. This card can be used for a wide range of food items, but there are a few important restrictions.
Can you buy rotisserie chicken with EBT? The answer depends more on how the chicken is sold, and in some cases, where you live.
1. Can You Buy Rotisserie Chicken with EBT?
Generally, you cannot purchase a hot rotisserie chicken with an EBT card. SNAP benefits/food stamps can’t be used to purchase hot, prepared foods sold for immediate consumption.
According to the USDA’s rules, SNAP is meant to help low-income households buy groceries to prepare at home. You cannot use SNAP benefits for food that is being sold hot and ready to eat.
Because rotisserie chickens are usually sold hot from the deli, they fall under the category of “hot foods at the point of sale”, which makes them EBT-ineligible.
In case you still want to buy hot rotisserie chicken with EBT, you must qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) (only available in a few states).
>>> Also check: Does Chick-fil-A Take EBT In Your State?
2. Where You Might Be Able to Buy Hot Rotisserie Chicken with EBT
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a special option within the SNAP program that allows certain eligible individuals to use their EBT card at participating restaurants.
SNAP is normally limited to foods meant for home preparation, but RMP makes it possible for some people to buy hot, prepared meals instead.
Who Qualifies for RMP?
You qualify if you fall under one of the following categories:
- Age 60 or older
- Disabled
- Experiencing homelessness
- The spouse of someone who qualifies under these categories
Also, you must live in a state that offers RMP.
Where Is RMP Available?
As of now, 9 states are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP):
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
What Kinds of Restaurants Participate in RMP?
Only restaurants that-
- Operate in an RMP-participating state;
- Have been approved by the state SNAP agency, and
- Are authorized by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
-can take part in the program.
These are usually fast-food chains, local diners, or take-out spots that agree to serve meals at affordable prices to eligible SNAP recipients.
Check your local SNAP or EBT website for a list of participating locations or ask the restaurant directly if they accept EBT.
For example, in California, some RMP-approved meal sites have rotisserie chicken that can be purchased with an EBT payment. Several Vallarta supermarkets offer hot and ready-to-eat rotisserie chickens, or many Subway locations may serve rotisserie-style chicken sandwiches.
3. What to Buy Hot Rotisserie Chicken Instead with Your EBT Card
Generally, any consumable food item meant for home preparation is SNAP-eligible, unless explicitly excluded. A summary of the USDA’s guidance on SNAP-eligible food items:
What you can buy with SNAP:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Homegrown food seeds or plants
What you can not buy with SNAP:
- Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
- Tobacco products
- Dietary supplements (anything labeled “Supplement Facts”)
- Non-food items, including pet food, soap, cleaning supplies, and more
- Hot foods or beverages are sold hot at the point of sale
First and most important: you may have more options than hot deli food for dinner. There are many options. That might look like:
Raw chicken
A whole raw chicken, or a big tray of chicken thighs or drumsticks, or chicken breasts you can grill or toss into a pot of rice and veggies. All is SNAP-eligible and affordable.
Frozen or Refrigerated Pre-Cooked Chicken
Let’s make it clearer. It’s true that you can’t use SNAP for hot prepared foods, but cold sandwiches, pre-packaged salads, or refrigerated cooked chicken are often EBT-eligible, as long as they’re not hot when sold.
You can get chilled rotisserie chicken (sold cold in refrigerated deli cases) to take home and reheat, and pay with EBT.
Check with the store for sure. If you’re shopping online (like on Amazon or Walmart), EBT-eligible items are usually clearly marked with labels.
>>> Read more: Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT on Amazon
Canned Chicken or Shelf-Stable Options
There’s a reason shelf-stable proteins are a favorite. They’re affordable and versatile. The same goes for those cold or uncooked meal kits that include things like tortillas and canned meat.
Stock-up suggestions: canned chicken breast, chicken meal kits (uncooked or cold, like wrap kits or pasta and protein combos)
4. Get a Free Phone with SNAP
For staying connected, SNAP recipients can open the door to something great: free or low-cost phone and internet service through the Lifeline program.
So, to make the most of your SNAP benefits, here’s the scoop on how to tap into Lifeline and even score a free smartphone while you’re at it.
Just being on SNAP already qualifies you for Lifeline.
From there, it’s all about choosing a provider. Not all providers offer free devices, so visit their website to check (review AirTalk Wireless or TAG Mobile).
How to get a free phone through Lifeline:
1. Visit AirTalk Wireless. Enter your ZIP code
2. Pick a Lifeline Plan
3. Select Your Free Phone
4. Submit Documents (if required)
5. Submit Your Application and Wait for Approval
>>> Read more: What Is EBT Cash? What You Can Use It For
FAQs
Can I buy rotisserie chicken with EBT in California?
In California, some RMP-approved meal sites have rotisserie chicken that can be purchased with your EBT card.
Several Vallarta supermarkets offer rotisserie chicken, or many Subway locations may serve rotisserie-style chicken sandwiches.
Can you get rotisserie chicken with EBT in Texas?
You cannot use a SNAP EBT card to buy food that is sold hot and ready to eat. Besides, Texas does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows certain eligible individuals to use their EBT card to buy hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants.
Can you buy rotisserie chicken with EBT at Walmart?
According to the USDA’s rules, SNAP is meant to help low-income households buy consumable food items meant for home preparation.
You can not buy hot rotisserie chicken at Walmart. However, you can buy chilled rotisserie chicken (sold cold in refrigerated deli cases) at Walmart, which is labeled SNAP‑eligible.
Can you buy rotisserie chicken with EBT at Costco?
You can buy chilled rotisserie chicken with EBT at Costco (if sold cold in the refrigerated deli case).
Conclusion
So, no, you can’t toss a hot rotisserie chicken into your cart and swipe your EBT card at checkout. But if you’re working with SNAP, there are still plenty of enjoyable ways to bring home chicken for dinner.
Just remember to check the label or ask the store if you’re unsure. And if you happen to live in a state with the Restaurant Meals Program, you might just have more options than you think.
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