EBT Restaurant Meals Program: How It Works and Where to Use It

The EBT Restaurant Meals Program is a vital, state-run initiative operating under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It allows specific, vulnerable households to purchase prepared meals at authorized restaurants using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

This program serves as a critical exception to the standard SNAP rule, which generally prohibits the use of benefits for hot foods or foods intended for immediate consumption. By providing access to ready-to-eat meals, the program addresses the significant challenges faced by individuals who may lack the physical ability, housing, or facilities to store and cook their own food.

The EBT Restaurant Meals Program Explained

At its core, the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-level option that modifies how SNAP benefits can be used for certain populations. While the overarching SNAP framework is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), each state must individually choose to adopt, design, and administer its own RMP.

The Purpose: Serving Vulnerable SNAP Households

The fundamental goal of the RMP is to increase food security for SNAP recipients who face substantial barriers to nutrition. These are individuals for whom a trip to the grocery store does not solve the problem of hunger because they may not have a kitchen to prepare meals, a safe place to store food, or the physical capacity to cook.

The program is designed to provide not just sustenance but also a measure of dignity and stability for those at high risk of chronic hunger, recognizing that for many, a warm meal is a necessity, not a luxury. By allowing benefits to be used in a restaurant setting, the program helps ensure that the most vulnerable members of a community can access essential nutrition.

How the Program Differs from Regular SNAP Benefits

A crucial point of understanding is that the Restaurant Meals Program does not provide participants with additional monthly funds. Eligibility for the RMP does not increase a household's SNAP benefit allotment. Instead, it expands the flexibility of how existing benefits can be spent.

• Regular SNAP Benefits: Intended for the purchase of uncooked food items at authorized grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers' markets, which are then prepared and consumed at home.
• Restaurant Meals Program: Allows those same monthly benefits to be used for the purchase of prepared, hot meals at specific, pre-approved restaurants and food service establishments.

This distinction is important for managing expectations. The value of the RMP lies in the access it provides, not in an increase in the monetary value of the benefits themselves.

Who Qualifies for the EBT Restaurant Meals Program?

Eligibility for the RMP is narrowly defined by federal regulations to target specific populations. To participate, individuals must be part of a SNAP household in a state that operates an RMP and meet specific criteria related to age, disability, or housing status.

Core Eligibility Criteria: Elderly, Disabled, and Homeless Status

Federal guidelines establish three primary categories of individuals the program is designed to serve.

• Elderly: Individuals who are 60 years of age or older.
• Disabled: Individuals who receive federal or state disability or blindness payments (such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)) or are considered permanently disabled by a government agency. Eligibility is not restricted to only those receiving SSI.
• Homeless: Individuals who lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence. This definition is broad and includes people living in supervised shelters, halfway houses, or places not typically used for sleeping, such as a car, park, or bus station. It also includes individuals who are temporarily staying in another person's home for 90 days or less.

The "Entire Household" Rule Explained

A critical and often misunderstood component of RMP eligibility is the "entire household" rule. For a SNAP household to qualify for the program, every person in that household must individually meet one of the three core criteria (elderly, disabled, or homeless). The only exception to this rule is for the spouse of an eligible individual.

This means, for example, that a 70-year-old individual who lives with their 50-year-old, non-disabled adult child would not be eligible for the program, because the adult child does not meet any of the qualifying criteria. This rule can be a source of confusion, as an individual may meet the criteria personally but be disqualified because of their household composition. It is a key reason why some EBT card transactions at restaurants are unexpectedly declined.

How Spouses Qualify

The spouse of an RMP-eligible individual who is elderly or disabled is also permitted to participate in the program. The spouse does not need to independently meet the age or disability requirements. This provision ensures that couples can utilize the program together.

Automatic Enrollment: How Your EBT Card is Enabled

There is no separate application process to join the Restaurant Meals Program. State social service agencies automatically identify SNAP households that meet the strict eligibility criteria based on the information in their case files. Once a household is identified as eligible, their EBT card is electronically coded to be accepted at participating restaurants.

Eligible individuals typically receive a notice from their state agency informing them of their eligibility. You can also verify your household's RMP status by:

• Logging into the ebt EDGE online portal or using the ebt EDGE mobile app, where eligibility is often displayed in the account information section.
• Contacting your local SNAP office or caseworker directly to inquire about your status.

Using Your EBT Card at Approved Restaurants: A Step-by-Step Process

For those eligible, using an EBT card at a participating restaurant is a straightforward process, similar to using a debit card. Knowing the steps can help ensure a smooth and stress-free transaction.

Finding Participating Restaurants in Your Area

Before heading out, it is essential to confirm which restaurants are part of the program. Not all restaurants accept EBT, only those that have been specifically authorized by the state and the USDA. You can identify them in several ways:

• Look for the Sign: Participating establishments are required to display an official RMP sign or decal, often featuring a fork and knife logo, in a visible location like their front door or window.
• Check Official State Websites: Most states with an RMP maintain an official, up-to-date list or interactive map of all participating restaurants on their human services or social services department website. These are the most reliable sources for information.
• Contact Your Local SNAP Agency: Your local social services office can provide a list of approved restaurants in your area.

The Purchasing Process at the Restaurant

Once you have located a participating restaurant, the payment process is simple.

1. Check Your Balance: Before placing an order, it is always a good practice to know your current SNAP EBT balance. You can do this by checking your last receipt, calling the toll-free number on the back of your EBT card (1-888-678-8914 in Michigan, for example), or using the ebt EDGE website or mobile app.
2. Inform the Cashier: When you are ready to pay, let the cashier know you will be using your EBT card. This helps them process the transaction correctly and ensures that sales tax is not applied.
3. Swipe and Enter PIN: You will swipe your EBT card at the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal and enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad to authorize the payment.
4. Confirm and Keep the Receipt: Verify that the amount on the screen is correct before you approve the transaction. The receipt will show the meal's cost and your remaining SNAP benefit balance.

Understanding Your Receipt: No Sales Tax or Gratuity

Two important rules apply to RMP transactions:

• No Sales Tax: Meals purchased with SNAP EBT benefits are exempt from sales tax. Participating restaurants are prohibited from charging it.
• No Gratuity: SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for a tip. If you wish to leave a gratuity for the service, you must use a separate form of payment, such as cash or a debit card.

Handling Payments When SNAP Benefits Don't Cover the Full Meal

If your SNAP EBT balance is not enough to cover the entire cost of the meal, you can use a "mixed transaction." You must inform the cashier that you need to split the payment. You can use your available SNAP balance and then pay the remaining amount with another form of payment, such as EBT cash benefits, a debit or credit card, or cash.

State-by-State Guide to the Restaurant Meals Program

The availability of the Restaurant Meals Program varies significantly across the country, as it is up to each state to implement it. Below is a comprehensive overview of the program's status in every state, followed by detailed guides for states with active programs.

EBT Restaurant Meals Program Status by State

Detailed State Profiles

Arizona

• Official Program Name: Restaurant Meals Program. Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).
• How to Find Restaurants: The DES provides an official, comprehensive PDF list of all participating restaurants, updated quarterly. You can access it via the(https://des.az.gov/na).
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: Arizona has one of the most extensive programs, with many national chains and local establishments participating across the state.
• Phoenix: Burger King, Carl's Jr., Dairy Queen, Del Taco, Domino's Pizza, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, McDonald's, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, Subway, Tortas Paquime, Wendy's.
• Tucson: Burger King, Carl's Jr., Chickenuevo, Church's Texas Chicken, Dairy Queen, Del Taco, Denny's, Jack in the Box, McDonald's, Papa Johns Pizza, Subway, Wendy's.
• Mesa: Burger King, Carl's Jr., Del Taco, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, Subway.
• Chandler: Burger King, Church's Chicken, Del Taco, El Pollo Loco, Firehouse Subs, Hungry Howie's, Jack in the Box, McDonald's, Subway.
• Glendale: Burger King, Carl's Jr., Del Taco, Denny's, Hungry Howie's, Jack in the Box, Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, Weinerschnitzel.

California

• Official Program Name: Cal Fresh Restaurant Meals Program. Administered statewide by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as of September 1, 2021.
• How to Find Restaurants: The CDSS provides two excellent resources: a mobile-friendly interactive map locator and a desktop-friendly spreadsheet list of all participating vendors by county.
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: California has a vast network of participating restaurants, including major chains and countless local businesses.
• Los Angeles County: Carl's Jr., Del Taco, Denny's, Domino's Pizza, El Pollo Loco, Jack in the Box, Jamba Juice, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway, Wendy's.
• San Diego County: Burger King, Carl's Jr., Denny's, Jack in the Box, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway, Wendy's.
• San Francisco County: Carl's Jr., Chico's Pizza, Subway.
• Riverside County: Del Taco, Denny's, McDonald's, Subway, Yoshinoya Beef Bowl.

Illinois

• Official Program Name: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. Administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
• How to Find Restaurants: The IDHS maintains an official list of participating restaurants on its(https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=146353).
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: The program in Illinois focuses heavily on local and small businesses.
• Chicago: BJ's Market & Bakery, Caribbean Jerk's Palace III, Doughboy's Chicago, Firehouse Bakery & Grill, JJ Fish and Chicken, Ocean Wave Soul & Seafood, S2 Express Grill.
• Franklin County: Bonnie's Care, Joe's Pizza.

Maryland

• Official Program Name: Restaurant Meals Program. Administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS).
• How to Find Restaurants: The DHS provides a list of participating restaurants by county on its(https://dhs.maryland.gov/restaurant-meals-program/).
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: The program is being rolled out on a county-by-county basis and includes a mix of national chains and local spots.
• Baltimore City & County: Burger King, KFC, Pete’s Kitchen, Platta King, Rock Seafood.
• Prince George's County: Burger King, KFC.
• Anne Arundel County: KFC.
• Charles County: Bubba's Place, KFC.
• Calvert County: 2 Soul Sisters Restaurant, KFC.
• Cecil County: Bay Crawlers Crab Shack, KFC.

Massachusetts

• Official Program Name: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
• How to Find Restaurants: The DTA provides an official list of approved restaurants and food trucks.
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: Massachusetts has intentionally partnered with small, local, and culturally diverse businesses.
• Boston Area (including Roxbury, Dorchester, Chelsea): Bella Isla Café, Fresh Food Generation, La Parada Dominican Kitchen, Merengue Express, Merengue Restaurant, Stokes BBQ, Vejigantes Restaurant.
• Worcester: New Wine Pizza, Sabrosa Venezuela (restaurant and food truck).
• Fall River: Faneek's Coney Island.
• Lawrence: Sazon Peru Restaurant.

Michigan

• Official Program Name: Restaurant Meal Program (RMP). Administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
• How to Find Restaurants: The MDHHS provides both an interactive map and a downloadable list of participating restaurants.
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: Michigan has a growing list of participants across the state, including both chains and local eateries. Users should consult the official state map for the most current information.

New York

• Official Program Name: Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The program is currently in a pilot phase, starting in select counties.
• How to Find Restaurants: The OTDA maintains a webpage with a list of participating restaurants that is updated as new locations are added.
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: The program is expanding, with initial locations in several boroughs and counties.
• Manhattan: Justino's Pizzeria, Ray's Pizza, BarIL, Sole Sapoara Restaurant, The Chubby Crab.
• Queens: Blaze 718.
• Rochester: Lakeside Haven Family Restaurant, Pomodoro Pizza, Wings & Pasta, Gregorio's Pizza, Nin's Restaurant.

Rhode Island

• Official Program Name: Restaurant Meals Program. Administered by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS).
• How to Find Restaurants: The DHS provides a(https://dhs.ri.gov/media/8981/download?language=en) on its program page.
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: The program currently partners with specific locations of national chains.
• Statewide: The program includes nine participating Subway restaurant locations and, as of September 2025, several Burger King locations in cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Cranston.

Virginia

• Official Program Name: Virginia Restaurant Meals Program (VRMP). Administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
• How to Find Restaurants: The VDSS provides an official list of participating restaurants on its(https://www.dss.virginia.gov/vrmp/locations.cgi).
• List of Known Participating Restaurants: Virginia's program includes a mix of national chains and local favorites across the Commonwealth.
• Statewide Chains: Many KFC, Subway, and Taco Bell locations participate.
• Local Restaurants: NN Burger (Tappahannock), Tom's Drive-In (Pulaski), 757 Philly Cheesesteak Café (Hampton), Kokonut Grill (Richmond), Asian Fusion (Lynchburg), Big Rita's (Pound).

Information for Restaurant Owners: How to Participate

For restaurant owners, joining the RMP can be a way to increase revenue, build goodwill, and serve a vital community need. The application process involves coordination between the state and federal governments.

Benefits of Joining the RMP for Your Business

Participating in the program offers several advantages for restaurants:

• New Revenue Stream: It opens your business to a new customer base, generating income from EBT transactions.
• Community Engagement: It demonstrates a strong commitment to combating food insecurity and supporting vulnerable neighbors.
• Marketing Opportunities: Participating restaurants are often promoted through official state channels, increasing visibility and attracting new patrons.

The Two-Part Application Process: State and Federal Approval

Becoming an authorized RMP vendor is a multi-step process that requires approval from both your state agency and the federal USDA FNS. This dual structure can seem complex, but it can be broken down into manageable steps. A small business owner must first secure an agreement with their state before they can apply for federal authorization.

Step 1: The State-Level Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The first step is to partner with your state's administering agency. This typically involves completing and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or a similar agreement. This document formalizes the partnership and confirms that your establishment agrees to abide by the state's program rules. Interested owners should contact their state's RMP office to begin this process.

Step 2: The USDA FNS Application (Form FNS 252-2)

Once you have a signed agreement with the state, you can proceed with the federal application. You must complete and submit the USDA's Form FNS 252-2, SNAP Application for Meal Services. This application must be mailed to the USDA Retailer Service Center along with several supporting documents, which typically include:

• A copy of your signed state MOU.
• A copy of a valid business license and/or health permit.
• A copy of a government-issued photo ID for all owners and officers.
• Verification of Social Security Numbers for all owners and officers.

The USDA FNS has up to 45 days to review the application package and make a decision.

Essential Requirements for Your Establishment

To be eligible and remain in compliance, restaurants must meet several key criteria:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) System: You must have POS equipment capable of processing EBT transactions. If you already accept debit/credit cards, you can often work with your third-party processor to add EBT functionality.
• Accessibility: The establishment must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
• Concessional Pricing: Restaurants must offer meals at "concessional" or discounted prices to SNAP recipients. The specific requirement varies by state. For example, New York and Illinois require a 10% discount on eligible menu items , while other states may allow for a daily low-cost special or other forms of reduced pricing.

Program Context: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Outlook

The Restaurant Meals Program occupies a unique space in the landscape of food assistance, offering significant benefits while also facing valid criticisms and logistical hurdles. Understanding this context is key to appreciating its role and potential future.

The Impact on Food Insecurity and Community Health

The primary success of the RMP lies in its direct impact on food insecurity. For the elderly, disabled, and homeless populations it serves, the program provides a practical solution to the inability to cook, effectively unlocking the value of their SNAP benefits.

Academic research has suggested that in areas where the RMP is available, it is associated with a reduction in food insecurity among the elderly. It provides a lifeline that allows individuals to access hot, prepared meals when they would otherwise have no means to do so.

Common Challenges: Nutritional Concerns and Restaurant Availability

Despite its clear benefits, the program faces significant challenges, primarily centered on the tension between providing food access and promoting nutrition.

• Nutritional Quality: A frequent criticism is that many participating restaurants are fast-food chains, which may offer meals that are high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. This has led to debates about whether the program inadvertently encourages poor dietary habits. The state of Michigan famously discontinued its original RMP in 2013, citing concerns over the lack of healthy options available at participating establishments.
• The Counterargument: Proponents argue that for an individual facing acute hunger, the immediate need for calories and a hot meal outweighs long-term nutritional concerns. In many cases, the choice is not between a healthy home-cooked meal and a fast-food meal, but between a fast-food meal and no meal at all. Furthermore, research focusing on the elderly population in California found no statistical evidence that the availability of the RMP leads to an increase in obesity rates.
• Restaurant Availability: Another limitation is the often-small number of participating restaurants, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The voluntary nature of the program means that eligible recipients may have few, if any, convenient options. This can lead to a lack of diverse, culturally appropriate, or healthy food choices, limiting the program's effectiveness and appeal.

The Future of the Program: Expansion and Online Integration

The Restaurant Meals Program continues to gain traction across the country. States like Oregon are actively developing pilot programs, and advocacy groups in states like Colorado are pushing for legislation to implement it. This trend suggests a growing recognition of the program's importance in a comprehensive food security strategy.

Looking ahead, a logical evolution for the RMP would be integration with online ordering and delivery services. The successful rollout of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot for groceries, which allows EBT users to shop online at retailers like Walmart and Amazon, provides a clear model. Allowing RMP-eligible individuals, many of whom have mobility challenges, to order prepared meals for delivery could dramatically increase the program's accessibility and impact, representing a significant next step in the effort to ensure no one goes hungry.

 Frequently Asked Questions