Let’s begin with common questions many SNAP recipients ask: Can I use EBT at a fast food near me? Does Chick-fil-A accept EBT? When you’re managing a tight budget, you really want to know where you can use your benefits. Clear, accurate information helps you make better choices.
1. What Is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
If you’re on SNAP in a participating state and are elderly (60+), disabled, experiencing homelessness, or a spouse of someone eligible, you may qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows use of your EBT card at participating restaurants for hot prepared meals.
When you’re eligible for RMP and live in a participating state, your food options expand significantly. Take California, for example — it has adopted RMP statewide through CalFresh, allowing thousands of eligible residents to use their benefits at a wide range of restaurants, from Burger King to Popeyes.
Note: If you’re a restaurant owner operating in a state with RMP, you may be able to join the program if you’re approved by the state and authorized by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to accept SNAP payments.
>>> Read more: What Fast Food Places Take EBT? RMP-Approved Chains You Should Know
2. Does Chick-fil-A Take EBT in Your State?
Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain, renowned for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. With locations across the country and a menu that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering, it’s a go-to spot for many. But if you’re a SNAP recipient and want to use your EBT card at Chick-fil-A, there are a few things to know.
Chick-fil-A is one of the fast-food chains that does not accept EBT at any of its locations nationwide, even in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Though you qualify for RMP, you can not use your benefits at any Chick-fil-A location.
Besides Chick-fil-A, here are some fast-food restaurants that don’t accept EBT/SNAP benefits:
- Dunkin’
- Five Guys
- Chipotle
- Raising Cane’s
- Hardee’s
If you’re looking to use EBT for fast food, you’ll need to visit a chain that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), such as Subway, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and Popeyes, but only in the states where the program is available.
3. Fast Food Restaurants that Accept EBT Near Me
In some states, if you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program, you can use your SNAP benefits at certain fast-food restaurants.
Below is a quick look at fast-food chains that accept EBT under RMP in participating states. (If your state isn’t listed, it does not currently participate in the RMP.)
- Arizona: Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, Subway, Domino’s Pizza, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, El Pollo Loco, Wendy’s, Church’s Chicken, Taco Bell, KFC, Hungry Howie’s, Two Hands Corn Dog, Papa John’s Pizza, and more.
- California: Subway, Jack in the Box, Domino’s Pizza, El Pollo Loco, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Carl’s Jr., Rally’s, Wingstop, KFC, Wienerschnitzel, Little Caesars, Del Taco, Popeyes, and more.
- Illinois: JJ Fish and Chicken, Doughboy’s Chicago, S2 Express Grill, Joe’s Pizza
- Maryland: Burger King, KFC
- Massachusetts: New Wine Pizza, Pizza Maria, Faneek’s Coney Island
- Michigan: KFC, Subway, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Popeyes, Del Taco, and more.
- New York: Burger King, Popeyes, KFC, IHOP, Just Salad, 8 Bit Bites, Fix-U-Plate, More Than Fries, and more
- Rhode Island: Subway
- Virginia: KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell
From above, you will see a few famous fast food chains that accept EBT:
- Burger King: With menu staples like the Whopper, fries, and shakes, Burger King is a straightforward option for a filling meal.
- Carl’s Jr.: Known for its big, bold burgers and breakfast sandwiches, Carl’s Jr. is a favorite for many people.
- Del Taco: Del Taco is family-friendly, offering burritos and fries.
- Domino’s Pizza: Domino’s offers wings, sandwiches, and pasta.
- Jack In The Box: Jack In The Box mixes tacos, burgers, and breakfast.
- McDonald’s: One of the most well-known fast-food chains in the world.
- Subway: Subway offers hot sandwiches and pizzas.
Please note that not every location of these fast-food chains accepts EBT. Check the full list on your state’s RMP website for exact addresses, or call the restaurant directly before ordering.
4. Get More Than Food: Free Phones for SNAP Users Through Lifeline
If you’re on SNAP, don’t stop at food assistance. Use your eligibility to get more support. You may qualify for free internet through the Lifeline program, and even receive a free phone or tablet when you apply through certain authorized providers like AirTalk Wireless, which include these devices as part of their plans.
Lifeline is one of the simplest ways to stay connected on a limited income, and SNAP participation makes you automatically eligible. When applying for the program, you may be asked to upload proof of eligibility, such as Notices of Action, Notices of Approval, or Verification of Benefits letters, but in many cases, the system can automatically verify your status.
Most importantly, don’t leave these benefits on the table. Government programs like Lifeline are built to support low-income households, so take advantage of them.
With AirTalk Wireless, one of the top Lifeline providers, consumers can also get:
- A free smartphone or tablet from trusted brands (Samsung, Apple, LG, etc.)
- Free international calling to 200+ countries and territories
- Unlimited talk, text, data
- And more
FAQs
What restaurants accept EBT near me?
Visit your state’s SNAP or RMP website to view the most up-to-date list of approved restaurants, or call the restaurant directly and ask if they accept EBT.
Does Chick-fil-A take EBT in California?
Chick-fil-A is one of the fast-food chains that does not accept EBT at any of its locations nationwide.
Does Chick-fil-A take EBT in Arizona?
Arizona participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, but Chick-fil-A does not accept EBT at any of its locations nationwide.
Does Chipotle take EBT in California?
No, Chipotle does not accept EBT anywhere, including in California.
Does McDonald’s take EBT?
There are several McDonald’s locations in states like Arizona, California, Michigan, and Virginia that accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program.
Does Jack in the Box take EBT?
Jack in the Box accepts EBT, but only at several locations in states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, such as California and Arizona. Call your local Jack in the Box locations to confirm.
Does Panda Express take EBT in Arizona?
As of the latest update from the official Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) website, no Panda Express locations in Arizona accept EBT. (Please be aware that this information may change. It’s recommended to confirm with the restaurant before placing an order.)
Can you use EBT at fast food in Florida?
Florida does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, so you cannot use EBT at fast food restaurants there.
>>> Read more: Free Stuff with Food Stamps: 10 Surprising Perks You Didn’t Know About
Conclusion
While Chick-fil-A doesn’t currently accept EBT in any state, there are many other fast-food restaurants where you can use your EBT card if you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program.