We all know that SNAP benefits are very helpful for low-income households who cannot afford to buy nutritious food for themselves. These benefits can be used by eligible participants at various grocery stores and food shops to get food items at a lower price or for free. But did you know that you can also use SNAP EBT benefits at Restaurants?
Do not worry if you do not know this amazing fact about the SNAP program. It is generally known that one cannot use SNAP benefits to buy “hot” or already “cooked” food using the EBT benefits. However, there is a loophole on this one too!
You can easily use SNAP benefits at Fast Food Restaurants that take EBT. The Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) is a well-known program that allows SNAP participants to use EBT benefits at certain restaurants. However, this is not widely known because very few states offer this program, countable on fingers.
So if you are curious to know more about fast food places that accept EBT, then keep reading further.
Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT
Although one cannot use SNAP benefits in restaurants to buying a cooked meal, the Restaurant Meals Program allows the participants of the SNAP program to use EBT benefits at Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT. Various huge brands like Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, PizzaHut, and so on take EBT in several states that offer RMP, such as – Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, etc.
Burger King
Burger King is a popular Fast food restaurant chain founded in 1954 in Florida by David Edgerton and James McLamore. What started as a local burger place is now the world’s second-largest fast food chain in over 100 countries with nearly 18700 locations.
This food chain is mainly known for its classic cheeseburgers, called Whoppers. They also offer other food items such as chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, desserts, fries, and specialty drinks.
Their Double Whopper is not just very tasty but also fulfilling and my favorite pick from Burger King!
Subway
Just like its sandwiches, Subway has an interesting back story of its origination. A food chain restaurant started by Fred DeLuca with the assistance of Peter bag, who proposed opening a submarine sandwich shop so that his friend could pay his tuition fees. The first restaurant was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Since then, Subway has been known for its fresh, affordable, and mouth-watering sandwiches. One of the best things about Subway is the experience you get – one can watch their food being prepared by the staff right in front of them!
Turkey Breast & Black Forest Ham, Subway Club, and Veggie Delite are my absolute favorites to grab
Taco Bell
As the name suggests, Taco Bell is a Mexican food chain founded in the year 1962 and has been serving Mexican delicacies like Tacos, Quesadillas, Burritos, Nachos, and other specialty items, including the ‘Value Menu.’
The restaurant firstly could not comprehend Americans’ love for Mexican food and introduced Chili burgers to attract the American Population. But with good marketing and promotions, they could sell snow to Eskimos.
The Cheesy Gordita Crunch and Double Decker Taco are my favorites and a must-try!
KFC
Who does not know KFC today? If we are thinking chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken is probably the first thing that comes to most minds. Colonel Harland Sanders founded KFC in the year 1952.
KFC is one of the most widely present food chains with franchises in over 150 countries. KFC has seen and comes through some of the most iconic times in history, including the Great Depression. They are among the few restaurants that take EBT.
The man you see on the Logo of KFC is no other than its founder – Colonel Harland. Talking about what I would pick at KFC anytime, I visit them their Popcorn Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Pot Pie, and Original Recipe Chicken Breast.
Domino’s Pizza
When we hear Pizza, the first thing that comes to mind is Dominoes. Who does not like Dominoes? Our favorite Domino’s was founded in 1960 by Russell Weiner, and today it owns stores in over 5701 cities all across the globe.
One interesting story about Dominos is its Logo, which has 3 dots, initially representing the number of stores it had. Each new store would be replicated as a dot in the Logo. However, this idea had to be dropped since Domino’s was growing exponentially, and there was no way to include more dots on the Logo.
If you visit Domino’s, you must try their Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, ExtravaganZZa Feast Pizza, Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza, and Cheese Garlic Stuffed Bread.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is yet another well-known American Fast food chain founded in 1951 by Robert O. Peterson in California. It is present in over 2200 locations across the US and accepts the SNAP EBT program.
They offer a wide range of menus, including Burgers, Chicken, Salads, Tacos, Fries, multiple options for Sides, Breakfast, Shakes and Desserts, Drinks, and Late Night service.
Their Jack’s Spicy Chicken and Classic Buttery Jack and Tacos are something you cannot miss out on!
Rally’s
Rally’s was formed after Checkers and Rally’s merger in 1999. Initially, the company used the brand name Checkers and announced expansion plans in over two dozen locations in the Pittsburgh area. However, later on, they continued with Rallies. They haven’t opened up any more stores since the Covid-19 Pandemic.
If you are looking for food items like Chicken Wings, Burgers, Chicken, Hot Dogs, Fries, Sides and Sweet Sides, Soft Drinks, and so on, then you can stop by Rally’s. My favorite items to try there are Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford and All American Cheeseburger.
Denny’s
More popularly known as Denny’s Diner, this well-known American table service restaurant chain has over 1700 restaurants in multiple countries.
This restaurant was initially started as a doughnut and coffee shop in California. However, it later expanded to offer multiple options and reasons that would include sandwiches, burgers, and platters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you want to get the feel of an authentic diner with a soda fountain experience, then Denny’s Diner is something you must visit. You can certainly get the feel of the 1950s diner while on the premises of Denny’s.
Try out their Cali Club Sandwich, Cinnamon Roll Pancake, and Fit Slam.
McDonald’s
I’m Lovin it, and so are you! McDonald’s is not just a fast food restaurant chain but also a childhood memory many still cling to.
Started as a drive-in point for multiple food items by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald, this food chain is now one of the most beloved dining options for almost all age groups and has a presence in over 38,000 locations in 100 countries.
Besides their well-known Burgers, sides, and beverages, McDonald’s has a fanbase for their Fries. Their amazing meal combos can help you fulfill all your cravings and hunger.
Something I like very much from McD is their Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
Jamba Juice
As you might have understood by the name itself, Jamba juice is a well-known American company offering blended fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, and other products.
This restaurant was founded in 1990, and now they have over 6,000 operating restaurants which more than 850 locations in the 36 States of the US. It is one of the restaurants that accept EBT near me.
They have multiple options available in smoothies and juices, and you can always make a customized beauty for yourself!
If you or someone looking for a Healthy lifestyle or wishes to indulge in something healthy and yummy, Jamba juice is your best option. Their Matcha Green Tea Blast, Peach Perfection, and Peanut Butter Moo’d are cult favorites.
Popeye’s
Popeye’s, earlier known as Popeye’s Famous fried chicken and biscuits, is an American multinational food chain offering Fried Chicken and other delicacies.
This restaurant was opened in New Orleans in 1972, with the chicken on-the-run theme in mind, and today it has over 3705 restaurant chains in more than 46 states of the US.
Apart from their specialty chicken, their mashed potatoes with cajun-style gravy, cajun fries, macaroni & cheese, and biscuits are quite famous.
Recently Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, and Chicken Blackened Tenders have been people’s most sought-after food items on their menu.
Wendy’s
Yet another classic American Fast food restaurant chain started in 1969 by Dave Thomas is the Wendy’s Restaurant. It is the third-largest food chain for hamburgers after Burger King and McDonald’s.
They offer a range of delightful food items not restricted to Sea Salt fries, Hamburgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Beverages like Frosty, and so on.
Their French Fries, Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger, and Chicken Nuggets are something you need to try!
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut must be the most popular pizza hub for college students. This Multinational food chain was founded in 1958 by the brother duo of Dan and Frank Carney. They are one of the few food places that accept EBT near me.
They offer pan Pizza, pasta, breadsticks, desserts, and beverages. From the recent data available, Pizza Hut is known to operate with over 17,639 restaurant stores all across the globe.
Some Pizza Hut stores also offer buffet options like “All-you-can-eat” pizza. Their Ultimate Cheese Lover’s Pizza and BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza are a delight.
Read More:- Pizza Places That Take EBT
Papa Murphy’s
Another fast food restaurant on the list is Papa Murphy’s, a ‘take and bake’ pizza company founded in 1995 by the merger of two local pizza companies – Papa Aldo’s Pizza and Murphy’s Pizza, hence the name – Papa Murphy’s.
Papa Murphy’s has a presence in over 1,300 outlets in the US, Canada, and UAE.
They offer several amazing pizzas, which I like the most: their Cowboy Pizza, Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, and Garden Veggie Pizza.
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco, the Crazy chicken in Spanish, is a name for two independent restaurant chains founded by Juan Francisco Ochoa.
Both companies operate in different geographical areas. One is in Mexico, while the other is in the US. In the US, El Pollo Loco has around 500 restaurants, and some of its stores are restaurants that accept EBT.
If you ever decide to visit El Pollo Loco, Do not forget to try their Original Polo Bowl, which includes chopped chicken breast, Pinto beans, rice, diced onion, Pico De Gallo, and cilantro.
Their Double Chicken Avocado Salad, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito, and Cinnamon Churros are also worth a try!
Carl’s Jr
Carl’s Jr was founded in 1941 as a hot dog stand that soon became America’s most popular food chain. This restaurant was started by an American couple – Carl Karcher and his wife, Margaret.
As of the present, Carl’s Jr has around 1000 restaurants in the US and 28 other countries in the world. Their Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders that come in two-size options are a must-try.
Besides Hot dogs and chicken, Carl’s Jr is also well known for its Hamburgers, Burritos, dipping sauces, Fried Zucchini, CrissCut Fries, Chocolate Cake, Milkshakes, and so on.
BLiMPiE
Blimpie is yet another well-known American submarine sandwich food chain founded in 1964 In New Jersey by a group of friends of age 24. The restaurant has its stores in around 27 states of the US.
The name ‘Blimp’ represented the large shape and size of the sandwiches offered by their restaurant. The “SIMPLY BLIMPIE” Advertising campaign helped Blimpie gain huge attention from the audience.
However, the restaurant chain faced huge losses and closed around 1000 stores. But they still celebrated their 50th Anniversary, and a few stores made a 50-foot sandwich which was then used for a good cause.
Dairy Queen
The last food chain, one of the few food places that take EBT, is Dairy Queen – A soft-serve ice cream and fast food restaurant. This food chain is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.
The chain uses a special soft-serve formula that John Fremont developed. Indeed it’s something unique that makes DQ shine bright among its competitors.
Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard, Frosted Fudge Brownie Blizzard, and S’mores Blizzard are cult favorites.
Food Restaurants That Accept Food Stamps
Finally, here is the updated list of Fast Food Restaurants that take EBT. You can visit any food chain to get EBT benefits on the items you purchase there.
- Burger King
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- KFC
- Domino’s Pizza
- Jack in the Box
- Rally’s
- Denny’s
- McDonald’s
- Jamba Juice
- Popeye’s
- Wendy’s
- Pizza Hut
- Papa Murphy’s
- El Pollo Loco
- Carl’s Jr
- Blimpie
- Dairy Queen
Who is eligible to use SNAP benefits at restaurants?
All members of the SNAP program can use SNAP EBT Benefits. However, most states have restrictions on the use of SNAP benefits. One cannot buy ‘hot’ or ‘cooked’ food from restaurants using EBT Benefits.
And if you wish to use SNAP benefits at the Fast food chains mentioned above, then the state you live in must offer the Restaurant Meals Program/RMP. Only with the RMP in your state will you be able to use EBT benefits at Fast food restaurants.
Which states offer the Restaurant Meals Program?
The states that offer the Restaurant Meals Program are –
- California
- Maryland
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Rhode Island
If you have been looking for restaurants that accept EBT food stamps near me, you can easily find one in any of these states. So, if you live in any of these states, you can use your EBT card at Fast Food Restaurants to buy hot food.
Final Thoughts
Those were food restaurants that accept EBT near me. You must be surprised that some major and popular food chains accept SNAP benefits. Only one condition has to be met to get SNAP benefits from Restaurants – your state must offer Restaurant Meal Program.
To help you determine if you can get EBT benefits at Restaurants and find EBT restaurants near me, we have also mentioned the states that offer RMP. You can thus find fast food that takes EBT.
In case you have any doubts or questions for us, feel free to ask in the comment section below. Also, do not forget to share this information with your friends and family!
