Many SNAP recipients ask the same question: What fast food places accept EBT?

The answer isn’t as simple as naming a few restaurant chains. Most fast food restaurants do not accept EBT under regular SNAP rules because the program is intended for groceries and food prepared at home.

However, some states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows eligible SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals from approved restaurants using an EBT card.

This guide explains how the Restaurant Meals Program works, which states participate, and which fast food chains commonly accept EBT.

Quick Answer

Only certain fast food restaurants accept EBT, and only in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

Even in participating states:

• Not every restaurant location accepts EBT.
• Many participating restaurants are independently owned franchises.
• Only eligible SNAP recipients can use EBT at restaurants through the RMP.

Always verify with the specific restaurant before ordering.

What Is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?

The Restaurant Meals Program is a USDA-approved SNAP option that allows qualifying individuals to buy prepared meals from participating restaurants.

The program is designed for people who may not be able to cook food at home, including:

• Seniors (60+)
• Individuals with qualifying disabilities
• People experiencing homelessness
• Eligible spouses of qualified participants

Not every SNAP recipient qualifies.

States That Currently Offer the Restaurant Meals Program

As of 2026, these states operate a Restaurant Meals Program:

*Illinois currently limits participation to selected counties. State participation and approved restaurant lists may change over time.

Fast Food Restaurants That May Accept EBT

Participation varies by state and by individual location. The following chains are among those most commonly found in RMP programs:

Subway

Subway is one of the most widely participating restaurant chains in the Restaurant Meals Program.

Eligible menu items may include:

• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• Salads
• Cookies
• Fountain drinks

Burger King

Some Burger King restaurants in participating states accept EBT.

Availability depends on the individual franchise.

McDonald’s

Selected McDonald’s restaurants participate in some RMP states.

Most locations nationwide do not accept EBT.

Taco Bell

Certain Taco Bell restaurants participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.

Not every franchise is enrolled.

KFC

Some KFC restaurants accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program.

Participation varies by location.

Pizza Hut

Selected Pizza Hut restaurants in participating states may accept EBT.

Domino’s Pizza

A small number of Domino’s locations participate in certain RMP areas.

Papa Murphy’s

Because Papa Murphy’s sells take-and-bake pizzas rather than hot prepared meals, some locations may also accept standard SNAP purchases where eligible under grocery rules, in addition to RMP participation where applicable.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box has one of the larger RMP footprints in states like California and Arizona.

Carl’s Jr.

Some Carl’s Jr. restaurants participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.

El Pollo Loco

Selected California locations accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program.

Wienerschnitzel

Many California locations participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.

Church’s Texas Chicken

Some participating locations accept EBT depending on state approval.

Popeyes

A limited number of Popeyes restaurants participate in RMP programs.

Del Taco

Some Del Taco restaurants in California and Arizona may accept EBT.

Denny’s

Although primarily a casual dining restaurant rather than traditional fast food, many Denny’s locations participate in RMP.

State-by-State Overview

Arizona

Common participating restaurants include:

• Subway
• Burger King
• Jack in the Box
• KFC
• Pizza Hut
• Denny’s

California

California has the largest Restaurant Meals Program in the country.

Participating restaurants may include:

• Subway
• Burger King
• McDonald’s
• Jack in the Box
• Taco Bell
• Carl’s Jr.
• El Pollo Loco
• Wienerschnitzel
• Popeyes
• Pizza Hut
• Church’s Texas Chicken
• Denny’s

Restaurant participation varies by county and franchise.

Illinois

Currently available in selected counties.

Participating restaurants are limited compared with California.

Maryland

Approved restaurants include selected national chains and local businesses.

Massachusetts

The Restaurant Meals Program is expanding gradually, with participation including approved local restaurants in addition to some chains.

Michigan

Eligible SNAP recipients can use EBT at participating restaurants approved by the state.

New York

New York has expanded its Restaurant Meals Program, but participation varies by city and restaurant.

Rhode Island

A smaller number of approved restaurants participate.

Virginia

Virginia’s Restaurant Meals Program continues to grow, with selected restaurants approved throughout the state.

Fast Food Restaurants That Usually Do NOT Accept EBT

The following chains generally do not participate nationwide, although policies can change:

• Chick-fil-A
• Five Guys
• In-N-Out Burger
• Panera Bread
• Raising Cane’s
• Whataburger
• Chipotle
• Shake Shack

Always check your local restaurant before visiting because franchise participation can change over time.

How to Find Restaurants That Accept EBT

The easiest ways to locate participating restaurants are:

1. Check your state’s Restaurant Meals Program website.
2. Ask the restaurant directly.
3. Look for EBT or SNAP acceptance signs.
4. Use your state’s approved restaurant directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can every SNAP recipient use EBT at fast food restaurants?

No. Restaurant purchases are generally limited to people who qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program.

Does every Subway accept EBT?

No. Only approved Subway locations participating in the Restaurant Meals Program accept EBT.

Does McDonald’s take EBT?

Some locations in participating RMP states do, but most McDonald’s restaurants nationwide do not.

Which state has the most restaurants that accept EBT?

California has the largest Restaurant Meals Program and the widest selection of participating restaurants.

Can I use EBT through DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Generally, restaurant delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats is not available under the Restaurant Meals Program unless specifically authorised by your state’s program.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering what fast food places accept EBT, the answer depends on two factors: where you live and whether you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program. While most fast food restaurants don’t accept EBT under standard SNAP rules, participating states allow eligible recipients to purchase prepared meals at approved locations.

Because restaurant participation changes over time and many locations are independently owned, always confirm with the specific restaurant before ordering. Checking your state’s Restaurant Meals Program directory is the most reliable way to find restaurants that currently accept EBT.