How to find restaurants near you that take EBT

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) lets certain people use their EBT card to buy prepared food at participating restaurants instead of only at grocery stores. Not every state runs this program, and not every restaurant in states that do will participate. The fastest way to find restaurants near you is to call your state's EBT customer service line — they have a current list of participating locations. You can also search online using your state's name plus "Restaurant Meals Program" to find the official list, which is usually updated monthly.

If your state does not run RMP, you cannot use your EBT card at restaurants at all, even if individual restaurants say they will take it. The program exists in only about half of U.S. states, and each state decides which restaurants can join. Before you spend time searching, confirm whether your state participates by checking your state's SNAP or EBT website or calling the number on the back of your card.

Key Takeaways

  • The Restaurant Meals Program only exists in about half of U.S. states, so your state may not offer it at all.
  • Your state's EBT customer service line has the official, current list of which restaurants participate in your area.
  • Participating restaurants are usually small, independent businesses — not major chains — and the list changes as restaurants join or leave the program.
  • You must meet specific requirements (elderly, disabled, or homeless) to use RMP; SNAP benefits alone do not may have access to you.

Which states have the Restaurant Meals Program

As of 2024, these states operate RMP: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. The program is not available in every county within these states — some counties opt out — so even if your state is listed, you need to check whether your specific county participates.

States that do not run RMP include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. If you live in one of these states, your EBT card works only at grocery stores and farmers markets, not restaurants.

Who can use EBT at restaurants

RMP is not open to everyone on SNAP. You must fall into one of three categories: you are 60 years old or older, you are disabled and receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or you are homeless. If you are working-age and do not receive SSI, you cannot use RMP even if your state offers it, regardless of your income.

Homeless means you lack a permanent address and are living in a shelter, car, tent, or other temporary place. Some states require you to show proof of homelessness — usually a letter from a shelter or social services agency — when you first use your card at a restaurant. Call your state's EBT line to ask what proof they need before you go to a restaurant for the first time.

What restaurants typically participate

Participating restaurants are usually small, independent businesses: diners, pizza shops, taco stands, Chinese takeout, sandwich shops, and local cafes. Major national chains like McDonald's, Subway, and Chipotle rarely participate, though a few locations in some states do. The restaurants that join are often in lower-income neighborhoods or near senior centers and shelters, because those are the areas where RMP users live.

The list of participating restaurants changes frequently. Restaurants join and leave the program throughout the year, so a restaurant that accepted EBT last month may not accept it now. Always call ahead or ask the cashier before you order, even if you saw the restaurant on a list recently. Some restaurants display a sign at the register or window, but many do not advertise that they take EBT.

How to search for participating restaurants

Start by calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card. Tell them you want to know which restaurants near you participate in RMP. They can give you names, addresses, and phone numbers. This is the most reliable method because they have the current list and can tell you which restaurants are active right now.

You can also visit your state's SNAP or EBT website and look for a "Restaurant Meals Program" or "RMP" section. Most states post a searchable list or a PDF you can download. Some states let you search by zip code or city. If the website list looks old (more than a few months old), call the customer service line instead, because restaurants may have joined or left since the list was published.

Google Maps and other search engines sometimes show restaurants as "accepting EBT," but this information is often wrong or outdated. Do not rely on it. Always call the restaurant directly or check your state's official list before you go.

What you can and cannot buy with EBT at restaurants

At participating restaurants, you can buy prepared food that is ready to eat: a meal, a sandwich, a slice of pizza, soup, or a drink. You cannot buy groceries, raw ingredients, or food to take home and cook. You also cannot buy hot food from a grocery store deli with your EBT card — only from restaurants that are enrolled in RMP.

Some restaurants have both a deli counter (where you cannot use EBT) and a restaurant section (where you can). Ask the cashier which part of the business is enrolled in RMP. If you are unsure whether something counts as prepared food, ask before you order. Different states have slightly different rules about what counts, so the restaurant staff can tell you what is allowed.

What happens when you pay at a participating restaurant

You swipe or insert your EBT card the same way you would at a grocery store. The restaurant will ask for your PIN. The transaction goes through immediately, and the amount is deducted from your SNAP balance. You will see the purchase on your EBT statement just like any other transaction. There is no separate process or paperwork — it works the same as using your card at a store.

If the restaurant's card reader is broken, they cannot process your EBT payment that day. Some small restaurants have older equipment that occasionally fails. If this happens, ask if you can come back later or try another participating restaurant nearby. You cannot pay with cash and have the restaurant reimburse you from your EBT balance — the card must be swiped at the time of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if they are enrolled in RMP in your state. Most food trucks and street vendors are not enrolled because the program requires them to have a permanent location and a card reader. Check your state's official RMP list to see if any vendors near you participate. If a vendor says they take EBT but is not on your state's list, they may be mistaken or operating outside the program.

What if I do not know my PIN?

Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to reset it. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number or case number. They can usually reset your PIN over the phone, and you can use it at a restaurant the same day. If you have forgotten your PIN multiple times, ask if they can mail you a new card with a temporary PIN.

Can I use someone else's EBT card at a restaurant?

No. You must enter your own PIN, which is tied to your case. Using someone else's card is considered fraud. If you are helping an elderly or disabled person use their EBT card, they must be present and enter their own PIN. If they cannot enter a PIN themselves, contact your state's EBT office to ask about accommodations.

Do I have to show ID when I use my EBT card at a restaurant?

The restaurant cannot require you to show ID to use your EBT card. However, if you are using someone else's card or if the restaurant suspects fraud, they can refuse the transaction. In normal circumstances, you only need to enter your PIN. If a restaurant asks for ID, you can decline and take your business elsewhere.

What if a restaurant says they take EBT but my card is declined?

This usually means the restaurant is no longer enrolled in RMP, even if they say they are. Ask to speak to a manager and explain that the restaurant is listed on your state's RMP list. If they still cannot process it, note the restaurant name and call your state's EBT office to report that the list may be outdated. Do not argue with the cashier — they may not know the program details. Try another restaurant from your state's official list instead.