A 2025 Guide For Common Places That Take EBT for Hot Food
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It’s one of the most common questions EBT users have: “Can I buy hot, prepared food with my card?” After a long day, picking up a hot meal can feel like a necessity, yet this is one of the biggest restrictions of the SNAP program. The short answer is: in most states, you cannot. However, there is one major exception.
This guide will explain the rules for buying hot food with EBT, detail the special program that allows it, and show you exactly how to find places that take EBT for hot food… if you’re eligible.
1. What Are the Rules for Buying Hot Food with EBT?
To understand why this is a rare exception, you first need to know the standard rule.
The Standard SNAP Rule (No Hot Food)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program designed to help low-income families buy groceries to prepare and cook meals at home. Because of this, the rules strictly prohibit the use of EBT benefits to purchase any food that is sold hot at the point of sale.
This means items like hot rotisserie chickens, deli soups, or pizza slices under a heat lamp are not eligible.
What is Considered Hot Food for EBT?
So, what is considered hot food for EBT? This is a key sub-keyword and a critical distinction. The USDA defines ineligible “hot foods” as any food that is sold hot and ready for immediate consumption.
This includes:
- Hot coffee or tea
- Hot entrees from a grocery store deli (chicken, ribs, etc.)
- Hot side dishes (such as macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, etc.)
- Hot pizza (by the slice or the whole pie)
- Any food sold at a restaurant or fast-food counter
Cold deli items, such as sandwiches, salads, and unheated rotisserie chickens, are generally eligible.
The Big Exception: What is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The only exception to this rule is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This is a voluntary, state-run program that allows certain EBT recipients to purchase hot, prepared meals at authorized restaurants.
This is the only way to find places that take EBT for hot food. If your state does not participate in the RMP, you cannot use your EBT card at any restaurant or fast-food establishment.
2. Who Qualifies and Which States Offer the RMP?
Even if your state has the RMP, not everyone is eligible for it. The program is specifically targeted to those who may not be able to prepare meals at home.
Who is Eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program?
To qualify for the RMP, you must meet all three of the following conditions:
- You must be receiving SNAP benefits.
- You must live in a state that participates in the RMP.
- You must be part of a household where all members are either:
- Elderly (age 60 or older)
- Disabled (receiving specific disability benefits like SSI)
- Homeless
If you are 55 and live with a 25-year-old who is not disabled, your household would not be eligible, even if you live in a participating state.
>>> Read more: Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT? Eligible Restaurants by State
Which States Have Places That Take EBT Hot Food?
As of 2025, only a handful of states have chosen to participate in the RMP. The list of states with places that take EBT hot food includes:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
Some states, such as New York, only offer the program in specific counties, so it’s essential to check your local guidelines.
What About My State? (e.g., Where can I use my EBT card in Missouri?)
If your state is not on the list above, then the RMP is not available to you. For example, to answer the question, “Where can I use my EBT card in Missouri?” the answer is only at SNAP-authorized grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers’ markets for eligible food items.
Missouri does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Therefore, no restaurants, fast-food establishments, or hot food delis in Missouri can accept EBT.
>>> Read more: How to Qualify for the Missouri Lifeline Program?
3. How to Use Your EBT for Hot Meals
If you meet all the criteria (eligible and living in a participating state), you can use your EBT card at approved restaurants.
How to Find Hot Food Places That Take EBT Near Me
Finding participating locations can be tricky. Your best bet is to check your state’s official SNAP or Human Services department website for a list of RMP-approved restaurants.
You can also search for “hot food places that take EBT near me” but be sure to look for official state resources.
Many restaurants that accept EBT, such as Subway, Pizza Hut, or McDonald’s (in RMP states only), will also display a sign in their window stating “EBT Accepted.”
Can You Use EBT for Hot Food on DoorDash?
This is a very common question. The answer is no. To answer “can you use EBT for hot food on DoorDash?” or other delivery apps like Grubhub and Uber Eats, they are not part of the Restaurant Meals Program.
The RMP requires the transaction to be made in person at the participating restaurant. While you can use EBT for online grocery orders from places like Walmart or Amazon, you cannot use it for any form of hot restaurant food delivery.
>>> Read more: Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT at Walmart
Use Your SNAP Eligibility to Get a Free Phone
If you are a SNAP recipient, you are automatically eligible for another valuable federal benefit: the Lifeline program.
This program helps low-income families stay connected by providing free or low-cost phone service. With a leading provider like AirTalk Wireless, you can use your SNAP eligibility to get a complete package at no cost:
- A FREE 4G/5G Smartphone
- FREE Unlimited Monthly Talk & Text
- FREE High-Speed Data
4. Final Words
For most people, using EBT for hot food is not possible. However, if you are elderly, disabled, or homeless and live in a state with a Restaurant Meals Program, you may be able to find places that take EBT for hot food.
For everyone else, your SNAP benefits continue to be a powerful tool for purchasing groceries. Don’t forget that your SNAP eligibility also makes you a great candidate for the Lifeline program, which allows you to receive a free phone and monthly service from providers like AirTalk Wireless.
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