EBT Restaurant Meals Program Eligibility and Locations

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) usually restricts purchases to foods intended for home preparation, but a vital exception exists for specific groups. The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible cardholders to use their benefits for hot, prepared food at participating eateries. This initiative helps individuals who may not have the resources or ability to store and cook their own meals.

Key Takeaways

• Who Qualifies: The program is restricted to elderly (60+), disabled, and homeless individuals, along with their spouses.
• Where it Works: Only available in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
• Texas Exception: Texas does not have a permanent RMP; it only allows hot food purchases during temporary disaster waivers.
• How to Identify: Look for the "Fork & Knife" logo or signage stating "EBT Accepted Here" at the restaurant entrance.
• No Extra Fees: Participating restaurants cannot charge sales tax or accept tips on EBT transactions.

Who Qualifies for the EBT Restaurant Meals Program?

Federal regulations for the EBT Restaurant Meals Program limit participation to three specific demographic groups who face barriers to cooking at home. You generally cannot apply for this program separately; your state agency automatically determines eligibility based on your SNAP case details.

To use your card at a restaurant, every member of your household must fall into one of these categories (or be the spouse of someone who does):

• Elderly: Individuals aged 60 or older.
• Disabled: People receiving federal disability benefits (like SSI/SSDI) or disability retirement benefits for a permanent condition.
• Homeless: Individuals who lack a fixed, regular nighttime residence. This includes people living in shelters, halfway houses, or temporary accommodations for less than 90 days.

If you live in a household where one person is an able-bodied adult under 60 and another is elderly, the household might not qualify depending on your state's specific rules.

Participating States and Local Rules

The RMP is not a nationwide benefit. States must opt-in and sign contracts with individual restaurants. As of now, only nine states operate this program, each with different rules and restaurant options.

Arizona

Arizona operates one of the most extensive programs in the country. The RMP has authorized a vast network of fast-food chains and local eateries statewide. You can frequently use benefits at major chains like McDonald’s, Subway, Burger King, and Jack in the Box across the state.

California

California's program, known as CalFresh RMP, is massive but historically operated on a county-by-county basis. While transitioning to a statewide model, it is most active in major population centers like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Participating locations display a distinctive "Fork & Knife" decal in their windows.

Illinois

Illinois launched its program in Cook County (Chicago area) and Franklin County before expanding. A unique feature of the Illinois model is that participating restaurants are often required to offer a discount on meals to SNAP customers. The network includes local favorites in Chicago neighborhoods as well as select fast-food locations.

Massachusetts and Michigan

These states have tailored their programs to specific needs.

• Massachusetts: Innovates by allowing food trucks to participate, bringing hot meals directly to underserved communities.
• Michigan: Focuses on sit-down restaurants. To participate, a restaurant generally must offer seating, which excludes many carry-out-only establishments.

Other Participating States

• Maryland: Operates a pilot program with specific local partners.
• Rhode Island: Focuses on urban centers like Providence, with Subway being a primary partner.
• Virginia: Has expanded to include chains like KFC and Taco Bell in specific cities.
• New York: Managed at the local district level, with participation varying by county and a heavy reliance on the ebtEDGE app for verification.

The "Hot Food" Confusion in Texas

Many residents in Texas confuse the Restaurant Meals Program with temporary disaster relief. Texas does not operate a permanent Restaurant Meals Program. You cannot use a Lone Star Card at a restaurant under normal circumstances.

However, during major emergencies like hurricanes or floods, the state may request a temporary "Hot Foods Waiver" from the USDA.

• What it does: Allows SNAP users to buy hot foods (like rotisserie chickens or deli meals) at grocery stores.
• What it doesn't do: It rarely allows purchases at fast-food restaurants like McDonald's.
• Duration: These waivers are strictly temporary, usually lasting only a few weeks until power is restored to the affected region.

How to Find Participating Restaurants

Finding a location that accepts EBT can be difficult because not every franchise participates. A McDonald's on one street might accept EBT, while another three miles away does not.

Look for Official Signage

The most reliable indicator is the official window decal. In many states, this is a blue or green sign featuring a fork and knife icon with the text "Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program." In states like Arizona, it may simply say "EBT Accepted Here."

Use Digital Tools

State agencies and third-party apps can help locate these specific vendors.

1. State Websites: Agency sites often publish lists of authorized vendors organized by county or city.
2. EBT Apps: The Providers app (formerly Propel) features a map that specifically filters for RMP-authorized locations in participating states.
3. EBT Cardholder Portals: Portals like connectebt.com or ebtEDGE often list program eligibility status and may provide locator tools.

Important Rules at the Register

Using your EBT card at a restaurant is similar to using it at a grocery store, but there are strict financial rules to protect the beneficiary.

• No Tips: You cannot add a tip to an EBT transaction. Gratuity must be paid in cash or with a separate card.
• No Sales Tax: Federal law prohibits charging sales tax on SNAP purchases. If you see tax on your receipt, the restaurant is in violation of the program rules.
• Mixed Transactions: If your meal costs more than your EBT balance, most systems allow you to pay the difference with cash or a standard debit card.

Comparison of Key State Programs

Frequently Asked Questions