Most fast food chains do not accept EBT cards, but a small number do through the Restaurant Meals Program

The vast majority of fast food restaurants — McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and others — do not take EBT cards. EBT is designed to buy groceries you prepare at home, not ready-to-eat meals. However, a few fast food and casual restaurants do accept EBT in specific states through a federal program called the Restaurant Meals Program.

The Restaurant Meals Program is limited to certain states and certain groups of people. It exists in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Even in those states, only seniors (age 60 and older), people with disabilities, and homeless individuals can use it. If you fall into one of those categories and live in a participating state, you can use your EBT card at approved restaurants to buy prepared meals.

The restaurants that participate vary by state and change over time. In some states, Subway, Burger King, and Wendy's locations participate. In others, smaller local restaurants or casual chains like Denny's or Jack in the Box may accept EBT. Your state's SNAP office publishes a list of approved restaurants, and you can also ask at the register whether a specific location takes EBT.

Key Takeaways

  • The Restaurant Meals Program allows EBT use at certain restaurants, but only in 11 states and only for seniors, people with disabilities, or homeless individuals.
  • Which restaurants accept EBT varies by state — there is no national list, and participating locations change.
  • You can find the current list of approved restaurants through your state's SNAP office or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
  • If you do not fall into the may be able to access groups or do not live in a participating state, you cannot use EBT at restaurants, including fast food chains.

Which states have the Restaurant Meals Program

Eleven states currently operate the Restaurant Meals Program: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Not all counties within those states may participate, and not all restaurants within participating counties accept EBT. The program is optional for states to run, so availability depends on state funding and administration.

If you live in a state not listed above, you cannot use EBT at restaurants. You can only use your EBT card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers that sell unprepared food. Some states have considered adding the Restaurant Meals Program but have not yet done so.

Who can use EBT at restaurants

Three groups of people can use EBT at participating restaurants: people age 60 and older, people with disabilities, and homeless individuals. You must fall into one of these categories to use the Restaurant Meals Program, even if you live in a state that offers it.

If you are not in one of these groups — for example, if you are a working adult or a parent with children — you cannot use EBT at restaurants. Your EBT card will only work at grocery stores and other food retailers. The program is designed to help people who have difficulty preparing their own meals.

How to find which restaurants accept EBT in your state

Your state's SNAP office maintains a list of approved restaurants. You can find this list by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or by visiting your state's SNAP website. The list includes the restaurant name, location, and address.

You can also call or visit a restaurant directly and ask whether they accept EBT. Staff at the register will know whether their location participates. Keep in mind that even if one location of a chain accepts EBT, another location of the same chain in a different area may not.

What you can buy with EBT at restaurants

At participating restaurants, you can buy prepared meals — hot food ready to eat. This includes items like sandwiches, entrees, sides, and beverages. You cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods that are meant to be taken home and reheated, or non-food items.

The rules are the same as they are at grocery stores: you can only buy food for human consumption. You must eat the meal at the restaurant or take it home to eat. You cannot use EBT to buy food for someone else, and you cannot use it to pay a tip or any non-food charge.

What to do if no restaurants near you accept EBT

If you live in a state with the Restaurant Meals Program but no restaurants near you participate, you can still use your EBT card at grocery stores to buy food you prepare yourself. You can also look for farmers markets that accept EBT — many do, and they often have prepared food vendors as well.

If you are a senior, person with disabilities, or homeless individual and have trouble preparing meals, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, disability services office, or homeless services provider. They may be able to connect you with meal programs, food pantries, or other resources in your area that do not require you to use EBT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card at Subway or McDonald's?

Only if you live in one of the 11 states with the Restaurant Meals Program, you fall into an may be able to access group (senior, disabled, or homeless), and that specific location is approved. Most Subway and McDonald's locations do not accept EBT. Call ahead or check your state's SNAP office list to confirm.

What if I am disabled but my state does not have the Restaurant Meals Program?

You cannot use EBT at restaurants in your state. You can only use it at grocery stores and food retailers. Contact your local disability services office or food bank to learn about meal programs or food assistance in your area.

Can I use EBT to buy food at a restaurant and then take it home?

Yes, if the restaurant participates in the Restaurant Meals Program. You can buy prepared food and take it with you. The rule is that you must be able to eat it — you cannot buy frozen meals or food meant to be reheated at home.

Do I need to show ID when I use EBT at a restaurant?

The restaurant may ask to see your EBT card and a photo ID to confirm you are the cardholder. This is the same as at a grocery store. You do not need any special documentation to prove you are in an may be able to access group.

Can I use EBT at food trucks or outdoor food vendors?

Only if they are on your state's approved Restaurant Meals Program list. Most food trucks and vendors do not participate. Check your state's SNAP office list or call the vendor directly to ask.