In most of the country, restaurants do not accept EBT — SNAP benefits are restricted to grocery purchases for home preparation. However, a specific federal program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows certain SNAP recipients in a limited number of states to use their EBT card at approved restaurants. If you are elderly, disabled, or homeless and live in a participating state, this program may apply to you.
This guide covers exactly which states currently offer the Restaurant Meals Program, who qualifies, which restaurant chains participate, and how to find approved locations near you.
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program is an optional state-level SNAP program, administered under USDA authorization, that allows specific groups of SNAP recipients to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants using their EBT card. It exists specifically for people who face genuine barriers to preparing food at home — not as a general convenience option for all SNAP households.
States choose whether to adopt the RMP, and individual restaurants within participating states separately choose whether to apply for authorization to accept EBT. This two-layer opt-in structure is why RMP availability varies so significantly even within the same state.
Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program
You must be certified for SNAP in a state that has an active RMP, and your entire SNAP household must meet at least one of these criteria:
Elderly: All household members are age 60 or older (or an elderly individual and their spouse, regardless of the spouse’s age)
Disabled: All household members receive disability or blindness payments, or receive disability retirement benefits from a government agency due to a disability considered permanent (or a disabled individual and their spouse)
Homeless: The household lacks a fixed and regular nighttime residence, or resides in a shelter, halfway house, or similar temporary facility (generally for no more than 90 days when staying temporarily with another person)
Important: If you qualify, your EBT card is automatically coded by your state to work at RMP-participating restaurant point-of-sale systems. There is no separate sign-up process in most states — your card is programmed for RMP access based on your existing case information, and will simply be declined at non-participating locations if you do not meet the criteria.
Which States Currently Have an Active Restaurant Meals Program
As of 2026, the following states have an active Restaurant Meals Program:
| State | Coverage Area | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| California | Most counties statewide | Largest and most established program; thousands of participating restaurants, especially in Los Angeles and San Diego |
| Arizona | Statewide, strongest in Phoenix area | Well-developed program with a broad restaurant network |
| Illinois | Statewide | Participating restaurants must provide a 10% discount on menu items purchased through RMP |
| Maryland | Pilot counties only | Currently piloting in select counties (including Washington, Baltimore City, and Charles County); expanding over time |
| Michigan | Statewide | Established program; verify local participating restaurants |
| Rhode Island | Limited | Historically limited to nine participating Subway locations |
| Virginia | Statewide | Established through state legislation (S.64/A.1524) |
This list changes over time as states opt in, expand, or adjust their programs. If your state is not listed, check with your state’s SNAP agency to confirm current status, since new states periodically join.
How to Find Restaurants That Participate in RMP Near You
Look for signage. Participating restaurants display a sign — often reading “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” with a fork-and-knife logo — at the entrance or near the register.
Contact your state SNAP agency directly. Most participating states maintain a searchable list or directory of approved RMP restaurants by county on their state DHS or social services website.
Call 211. In many areas, dialing 211 connects you with local RMP restaurant listings and other food assistance resources.
Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator. Available at the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration website, this tool lets you search by address or zip code and filter specifically for restaurant program locations.
Search “EBT restaurants near me.” A simple search combined with checking your state’s official RMP list is often the fastest way to confirm current locations. Ask before ordering if you are unsure whether a specific location currently participates, a quick question to the cashier before ordering avoids any confusion at checkout.
Restaurant Chains That Have Participated in RMP
Participation varies significantly by state, county, and even individual franchise ownership — a chain participating in one city does not guarantee every location of that chain participates elsewhere, even within the same state. Chains that have had RMP-participating locations in various states include:
- Subway
- Burger King
- Domino’s Pizza (select franchise locations)
- Papa Murphy’s
- Jack in the Box
- Wendy’s (select locations, primarily in California)
- KFC, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr. and other Yum! Brands or franchise locations in various RMP states
Always verify current participation at the specific location you plan to visit — chain-wide participation is not guaranteed, and franchise owners individually decide whether to apply for RMP authorization.
What You Can and Cannot Buy Through RMP
Even at a participating restaurant, standard spending rules still apply:
Covered: Hot, prepared meals purchased at the participating restaurant, deducted from your regular SNAP balance just like a grocery purchase
Not covered: Alcohol, and any purchase at a non-participating location even within the same RMP state
Important: The Restaurant Meals Program does not provide any additional benefits — it simply expands where you can spend your existing SNAP balance. Your monthly benefit amount is not increased by RMP participation.
The EBT Cash Exception — A Separate Rule Worth Knowing
If your EBT card carries cash benefits (from TANF or a state cash assistance program) in addition to SNAP food benefits, those cash benefits can be used at any restaurant that accepts debit card payment — regardless of RMP status, regardless of your eligibility category, and regardless of which state you are in. This is a completely separate rule from the SNAP-specific RMP restriction.
The RMP restriction applies only to your SNAP food benefit portion. If you are unsure which type of benefit you have, check your benefit award letter or call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card. See our what is EBT cash guide for more on how cash benefits differ from SNAP food benefits.
What If Your State Does Not Have RMP?
If your state has not adopted the Restaurant Meals Program, your SNAP benefits can only be used at authorized retail food stores — grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and certain specialty food retailers. You cannot use SNAP food benefits at any restaurant in a non-RMP state, regardless of your age, disability status, or housing situation.
If you believe your state should adopt the RMP, you can advocate for it by contacting your state legislature or state SNAP agency — state participation is a policy choice, not a federal mandate, and states have added the program over time in response to advocacy and demonstrated need.
FAQs
Can you use EBT at restaurants?
Only in states with an active Restaurant Meals Program, and only if you are elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless, and the specific restaurant location has been authorized to accept EBT. In all other cases and states, SNAP benefits cannot be used at restaurants.
Which states have the Restaurant Meals Program?
As of 2026, active RMP states include California, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia. This list changes periodically as states opt in — check with your state SNAP agency for current status.
Who qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program?
SNAP households where all members are elderly (60 or older), disabled (receiving qualifying disability benefits), or experiencing homelessness. Spouses of qualifying elderly or disabled individuals also qualify without needing to independently meet the criteria.
How do I find restaurants near me that accept EBT?
Look for RMP signage at the restaurant entrance or register, check your state SNAP agency’s website for a participating restaurant directory, call 211, or use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator filtered for restaurant program locations.
Does using the Restaurant Meals Program give me more SNAP benefits?
No. RMP does not increase your monthly SNAP benefit amount — it only expands where you are allowed to spend your existing balance, deducting restaurant purchases the same way a grocery purchase would.
Can I use EBT cash benefits at any restaurant?
Yes, if your EBT card includes cash benefits from TANF or a state assistance program. Cash benefits can be used at any restaurant accepting debit payment, regardless of RMP participation or your eligibility category — this is separate from the SNAP food benefit restriction.
Summary
Restaurants that accept EBT are limited to states with an active Restaurant Meals Program — currently California, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia — and only for elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipients at specifically authorized locations. Cash benefits on your EBT card, if you have them, work at any restaurant regardless of these restrictions.
For more on what your SNAP benefits can be used for generally, see our what can you buy with EBT guide, or see our full directory of grocery stores that take EBT. Check your current monthly SNAP benefit with our food stamp calculator.