f you’ve ever wondered can you get hot food with EBT, the answer depends on where you live and your eligibility. These special provisions allow seniors, people with disabilities, and homeless individuals in select states to purchase hot, ready-to-eat meals at approved restaurants, helping ensure that everyone has access to warm and nutritious food when needed.
1. Can You Get Hot Food With EBT?
No. You cannot use an EBT card to buy hot or prepared food.
SNAP benefits are designed for low-income households to purchase uncooked groceries for home preparation, not ready-to-eat meals. Items like deli foods, rotisserie chickens, or other hot meals are not eligible under standard SNAP rules.
However, there are exceptions that allow certain groups to buy hot meals through programs such as the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
When can you still get hot food with EBT?
In most cases, EBT cannot be used for hot food, but some exceptions apply. The USDA may temporarily approve hot food purchases in disaster-declared areas, such as after hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, when people cannot safely prepare food at home.
Additionally, qualified individuals under the RMP can buy hot, ready-to-eat meals at approved restaurants in participating states.
This option mainly supports seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
What is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible SNAP recipients such as seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness to use their EBT cards to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants.
This program is not available in every state. Only a few, including California, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Virginia, have adopted it, and participation is often limited to certain areas.
Participating restaurants typically display signs like “EBT Accepted Here” or “SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” so customers can easily identify where they can use their benefits.
2. Where Can You Get Hot Food With EBT?
Examples of participating stores & restaurants
Under the RMP, only authorized restaurants and food retailers can accept EBT payments for hot food. Examples include fast-food chains, local diners, and convenience stores that have joined the program.
Some well-known chains that participate in RMP (depending on the state) include:
- Subway
- Domino’s Pizza
- Jack in the Box
- Burger King
- El Pollo Loco
- Pizza Hut
In addition, local family-owned restaurants in RMP-approved areas also accept EBT for prepared meals. However, participation varies by location, and not every branch of these chains will take EBT.
How to check if a store accepts hot food EBT?
To make sure you visit the right place, it’s important to verify whether a restaurant or store near you accepts hot food EBT, here’s are a few ways you can easily check.
- Look for signs: Many approved restaurants display stickers or signs such as “EBT Accepted Here” or “Restaurant Meals Program Participating Location” near their entrance or register.
- Use your state’s SNAP website or directory: Some states provide a list or map of participating RMP locations online.
- Ask directly: When in doubt, ask the cashier or manager if they accept EBT for hot or prepared food.
- Check your EBT app or card provider’s website: Some states offer digital tools showing which nearby stores are authorized for hot food purchases.
3. Can You Get Hot Food With EBT in Specific States
Can you get hot food with EBT in Florida?
Currently, Florida does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. EBT users in the state can only use their benefits to purchase cold or uncooked groceries for home preparation. However, during natural disasters or declared emergencies, the USDA may temporarily approve hot food purchases in affected areas through a special waiver.
Can you get hot food with EBT in NC (North Carolina)?
North Carolina does not offer the Restaurant Meals Program at this time. SNAP benefits in NC are limited to eligible grocery items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and pantry staples.
Like Florida, the state may allow temporary hot food purchases during emergency response periods when residents cannot safely prepare meals at home.
Can you get hot food with EBT in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), allowing eligible SNAP recipients including seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals at approved restaurants.
Participation is available in select counties, and the Illinois Department of Human Services provides an updated list of RMP-approved restaurants on its official website. EBT users should look for signs like “EBT Accepted Here” or “Restaurant Meals Program” when visiting participating locations.
4. What is the Most Purchased Item with EBT?
While EBT cannot be used for hot or prepared meals in most cases, it covers a wide range of essential grocery items that help families maintain a balanced diet. The majority of SNAP users spend their benefits on everyday food staples used for home-cooked meals.
Common EBT purchases include:
- Meat and poultry: Fresh or frozen beef, chicken, pork, and fish for protein.
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt for healthy nutrition.
- Bread and grains: Bread, rice, pasta, and cereal as everyday staples.
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh or frozen produce for nutritious meals.
- Beverages: Bottled water, juice, and other non-alcoholic drinks.
- Pantry staples: Eggs, peanut butter, and canned goods for convenience and long storage.
In general, EBT helps recipients access the basic ingredients needed for nutritious, home-prepared meals, supporting food for low-income households.
>>> Learn More: Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT?
5. With EBT, You can Qualify for Free Phone Services!
If you have an EBT card, you may also qualify for free phone service through the federal Lifeline Program. This government initiative helps low-income individuals and families remain connected by providing free or discounted mobile service. Eligible users can receive a free phone, along with monthly talk, text, and data, all without contracts or credit checks.
EBT participants automatically meet the income-based requirements for Lifeline, making it easy to apply. You only need to verify your SNAP/EBT participation and choose an approved provider such as AirTalk Wireless.
With these benefits, EBT users not only access nutritious food but also gain reliable communication tools for work, education, and emergencies completely free of charge.
Register for the Lifeline Program and explore exclusive free offers from AirTalk Wireless here!
Final Words
Understanding can you get hot food with EBT allows you to maximize your SNAP benefits effectively. While EBT typically covers groceries for home cooking, certain programs like the Restaurant Meals Program make it possible for eligible users to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals.
Plus, your EBT card could also make you eligible for free phone service through the federal Lifeline Program. Visit AirTalk Wireless today to check your eligibility and claim your free phone and mobile plan.