Most restaurants do not take EBT, but a growing number of states run programs that let you use it at certain restaurants

Your EBT card works at grocery stores and farmers markets, but not at most restaurants. However, some states have created special programs that allow EBT to be used at participating restaurants — usually ones that serve hot meals to seniors, people with disabilities, or homeless individuals. These programs are called Restaurant Meal Programs, and they exist in about a dozen states. Whether you can use EBT at a restaurant depends entirely on which state you live in and whether that state runs the program.

If your state does have a Restaurant Meal Program, you cannot use your EBT card at any restaurant you choose. You can only eat at restaurants that have signed up and been approved by your state's program. The restaurants that participate are typically small, independent establishments rather than national chains, though a few chains have locations in the program in certain states.

Key Takeaways

  • Restaurant Meal Programs exist in only about a dozen states, and your state may not have one at all.
  • If your state has the program, you must be elderly, disabled, or homeless to use EBT at restaurants — not all EBT recipients are may be able to access.
  • You can only use your card at restaurants that have registered with your state's program, not at restaurants of your choice.
  • Participating restaurants are usually small, independent businesses that serve hot meals, not fast-food chains or casual dining restaurants.

Which states have Restaurant Meal Programs

As of now, these states run Restaurant Meal Programs: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Some states have added or removed the program in recent years, so the list can change. If you live in a state not listed here, your state does not currently have a Restaurant Meal Program, and you cannot use EBT at restaurants.

To find out whether your state has the program and what the rules are, contact your state's SNAP office directly. You can find your state office through the USDA's website or by calling 211, which is a free helpline that connects you to local resources. Your state office can tell you which restaurants near you are enrolled and what you need to do to use your card there.

Who can use EBT at restaurants in these states

Restaurant Meal Programs are not open to all EBT recipients. You must fall into one of these categories: you are 60 years old or older, you are disabled and receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or you are homeless. Some states have slightly different rules, so check with your state office to know whether you meet the requirement.

Even if you live in a state with the program and meet the age or disability requirement, you still need to be receiving SNAP benefits through EBT. If your case is closed or you are not currently enrolled in SNAP, you cannot use the Restaurant Meal Program.

How to use your EBT card at a participating restaurant

Using your EBT card at a restaurant works the same way it does at a grocery store. You tell the restaurant staff that you want to pay with EBT, they swipe your card or insert it into their machine, you enter your PIN, and the transaction goes through. The restaurant must have a point-of-sale machine that accepts EBT, which all participating restaurants do.

You can only buy prepared food that is ready to eat — hot meals, sandwiches, or other cooked items. You cannot use EBT to buy groceries, drinks, or items to take home and cook yourself. The restaurant will know which items on the menu are covered by the program, so ask staff if you are unsure about a specific item.

What restaurants are part of the program

Participating restaurants vary by state and by location within each state. Most are small, independent restaurants — diners, ethnic restaurants, pizza shops, and sandwich shops. Some states have a small number of chain locations, but you will not find large national chains like McDonald's or Subway in most Restaurant Meal Programs.

To find restaurants near you that take EBT, contact your state's SNAP office and ask for a list of participating restaurants in your area. Some states have online directories you can search by zip code. If you find a restaurant you like, you can also call ahead and ask whether they are enrolled in the Restaurant Meal Program.

What happens if you use your card at a restaurant that is not enrolled

If you try to use your EBT card at a restaurant that is not part of the program, the transaction will be declined. The restaurant's machine will not accept EBT because they are not set up to process SNAP payments. This is not a problem — it straightforward means you will need to pay another way or choose a different restaurant.

Do not assume a restaurant is not enrolled just because it is a chain or a well-known place. Always ask the staff or call ahead. Some restaurants may have enrolled recently, and staff may not always know about the program. If a restaurant says they do not take EBT but you believe they should, you can report it to your state's SNAP office.

Using EBT at restaurants versus grocery stores

EBT at restaurants is meant to help people who have difficulty preparing food at home — seniors living alone, people with disabilities, and homeless individuals. It is not meant to replace grocery shopping. You will usually get more food for your money at a grocery store than at a restaurant, so use your EBT benefits at both places depending on your situation.

If you are may be able to access for the Restaurant Meal Program, your SNAP balance is the same whether you spend it at a grocery store or a restaurant. There is no separate account or card for restaurant purchases. You use the same EBT card and the same monthly benefit amount for both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT at fast-food restaurants?

Most fast-food chains are not part of Restaurant Meal Programs. A very small number of locations in a few states may be enrolled, but this is rare. Call your state's SNAP office or check their online directory to see if any fast-food restaurants near you are enrolled. In most cases, you will need to use your EBT at smaller, independent restaurants.

What if my state does not have a Restaurant Meal Program?

If your state is not listed as having the program, you cannot use EBT at restaurants. You can only use your card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retailers. Contact your state's SNAP office to ask whether they plan to start a Restaurant Meal Program in the future.

Do I need to register separately to use EBT at restaurants?

No. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits and you meet your state's age or disability requirement, you can use your existing EBT card at participating restaurants. There is no separate registration or card. Just find a restaurant in the program and use your card as you normally would.

Can I use EBT to buy drinks or desserts at a restaurant?

No. EBT covers prepared meals and food items only. Hot drinks like coffee are usually not covered, and cold drinks, alcohol, and desserts are not covered. Ask the restaurant staff which items on the menu are may be able to access before you order.

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

This can happen if the restaurant's machine is not working properly, if you entered your PIN incorrectly, or if your account has an issue. Try again with your PIN, or ask to speak to a manager. If the problem continues, contact your state's SNAP office to check your account balance and status.