How to Find Food Places That Take EBT in Your Area
Published September 11, 2025
Finding food places that take EBT can feel tricky, especially when you’re hungry and on a budget. Many people struggle to know which restaurants or stores will accept their benefits, and it can be frustrating to waste time searching.
But what if there was a simple way to discover fast food places that take EBT near me or even places that take EBT for hot food? In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy steps, tips, and resources to find the right spots quickly.
By the end, you’ll know how to enjoy meals without worrying about payment.
How to Find Food Places That Take EBT
It may seem like scavenging to find food establishments that accept EBT. Lots of individuals are not aware of what restaurants or fast food chains take their benefits. The simplest is to visit sites such as the SNAP Retailer Locator, which requires you to type in your location (city, zip code, or street address) and then lists the local stores and restaurants that participate.
The door signs, such as a fork and a knife logo or a note with SNAP Restaurant Meals Program, can be helpful as well. Not sure, call your local SNAP office, and they will be able to tell you where EBT is accepted quickly.
Where You Can Use EBT at Restaurants
Not all states accept the use of EBT on hot meals. California is just one of only nine states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This initiative assists the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and the homeless in purchasing ready-made meals with the EBT cards.
Restaurants that do participate in the program often have a special menu or a label that states they accept EBT. It is a good idea to know the RMP rules in your state. You can also use EBT at grocery stores or in the grocery delivery apps of certain online stores, even if your state is not involved.
It is better to check before going outside to be surprised.
Fast Food Restaurants That Take EBT
Some fast food chains accept payments via EBT in states that participate. These are McDonald’s, Subway, Jack in the Box, KFC, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Popeyes, but not all of them accept it.
Availability will vary by your city and state, so it is always a good idea to look at local RMP listings or inquire with the restaurant itself. Some menu items are not included in the program, but most of the restaurants that accept EBT do allow you to purchase a complete meal.
This may help people who are unable to cook lunch at home grab a meal more easily.
What You Can Buy With EBT at Restaurants
With the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you can use your EBT card to buy hot meals at participating restaurants. Here’s a simple table showing examples of what’s allowed:
|
Food Category |
Examples |
Notes |
|
Sandwiches & Wraps |
Burgers, subs, chicken sandwiches |
Full meals or combo meals allowed |
|
Hot Meals |
Pizza, fried chicken, tacos |
Only at RMP-approved restaurants |
|
Sides & Snacks |
Fries, salads, soups |
Can mix and match with main meals |
|
Drinks |
Soda, juice, bottled water |
Included in meal purchase if allowed |
|
Ready-to-Eat Meals |
Pre-packaged meals at diners or cafes |
Good for seniors or unhoused individuals |
How to Use Your EBT Card at Restaurants
It is easy to use an EBT card at a restaurant. Swipe the card as though it were a debit card in locations where the card is accepted, use your PIN, and the money will be debited from your balance. Ensure that the RMP covers the restaurant, and that your card is accepted there.
Unless your card is coded to be used in a restaurant, the transaction would be declined. The program will assist the elderly, those living with a disability, and the homeless who might be unable to prepare their own food. Never place an order without checking your balance to avoid any unexpected end.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program
The RMP targets SNAP recipients with eating and/or food storage challenges. Seniors (60+), persons with disabilities, homeless people, and their spouses are eligible. The program is not a substitute for SNAP; however, it provides an alternative option to utilize benefits in ready meals.
It assists in ensuring that the vulnerable groups have access to healthy food. In the event that you fall under one of these categories, you can use your EBT to make safe, legal purchases of hot meals at the restaurants that accept it, and you have the freedom and flexibility to make your own choices about food selections.
FAQs
How to Find Out What Restaurants Take EBT?
To find food places that take EBT near me, use tools like the SNAP Retailer Locator or your state’s Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) list. You can enter your city, zip code, or address to see nearby stores and restaurants that accept EBT.
Do Any Food Services Take EBT?
Yes! Certain food services accept EBT, especially in states with the Restaurant Meals Program. This includes select fast food restaurants, diners, and some local eateries that offer places that take EBT for hot food.
Where Can I DoorDash With EBT?
You can use EBT on DoorDash only at grocery stores that accept SNAP online payments. This does not include hot meals from restaurants, even if they accept EBT in person. Stores like ALDI, Costco, FoodLion, and 7-Eleven allow you to pay with EBT through DoorDash for groceries, but you cannot order restaurant meals for delivery using your EBT card.
Does Panda Express Take EBT?
No, Panda Express does not currently accept EBT at any location. Even if you see other fast food places that take EBT near you, Panda Express is not part of the Restaurant Meals Program.
Does 7-Eleven Take EBT?
Yes! Some 7-Eleven locations accept EBT, but only for grocery and packaged foods, not for hot meals. You can also order through DoorDash at participating 7-Eleven stores using your EBT card.
Final Thoughts
Finding food places that take EBT has never been easier. Tools like the SNAP Retailer Locator and state Restaurant Meals Program lists help you see nearby stores, fast food places, and restaurants that accept your benefits.
You can also use EBT at online grocery services in participating states. Remember, only certain hot meals are allowed through the Restaurant Meals Program. If you want to help others while learning more about EBT programs.
Organizations like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen in Pompano Beach serve hot meals, snacks, and other essentials to the less fortunate daily, showing how communities can support each other.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
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