The Restaurant Meals Program is a federal option within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that allows certain SNAP recipients to use an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT) to purchase hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants. SNAP is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, but participation in the Restaurant Meals Program is decided by each state. Learn more about the Restaurant Meal Program below, how to apply and details on the benefit as well as how to determine if a state or restaurant participates.

Why does SNAP (or a state’s equivalent) allow hot meals to be bought?

This option exists because not every household has a safe or reliable way to store food or cook meals at home. Seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness are the primary groups the program is designed to serve.

Whether the Restaurant Meals Program is available or not is determined by each state. This means the rules, eligibility standards, and the number of participating restaurants vary depending on where a person lives. Also keep in mind that many states, SNAP itself may be known by a different name, such as CalFresh, Bridge Card or the LINK program, even though it is still the same federal benefit.

States that offer it - how the Restaurant Meals Program works

The Restaurant Meals Program allows approved SNAP participants to pay for a meal at participating restaurants (which may be fast food, sandwich shops, casual sit down places, etc.) using their EBT card. These meals must be prepared food meant for immediate consumption, which is normally not allowed under standard SNAP rules.

Not only do not all states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, but in addition not all restaurants in an approved state will accept EBT. Even within the same restaurant chain, one location may accept EBT while another does not. Approval is granted on a location-by-location basis and depends on state contracts and local requirements.

States that have operated or continue to operate a Restaurant Meals Program include Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia, among others. Participation can expand or change over time, and some states run limited or pilot versions of the program rather than statewide coverage. The most reliable source for current participation details is the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees SNAP nationally.

The Food and Nutrition Service website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer/restaurant-meals-program provides official background and state-level information, while local human services offices often publish the most accurate regional details.

Rules and regulations around SNAP benefits for a meal

While of course SNAP benefits are generally intended for households with very low income or limited resources. Under the Restaurant Meals Program, states may allow specific SNAP recipients to use their benefits for prepared food if they meet additional criteria. This typically includes.

Households that have a low income or live in poverty.
Individuals do not have access to a kitchen or who may not be able to cook for themselves due to physical, financial or mental limitations.
Adults over the age of 60, who are on food stamps.
People receiving disability benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.
Homeless individuals may also qualify if they are approved for SNAP and live in a state that has adopted the program.

Eligibility is always determined by the local or state human services agency. Because each state applies the rules slightly differently, anyone interested in using SNAP benefits at a restaurant should confirm their eligibility with their local Department of Human Services or social services office before assuming they are covered.

Types of restaurants and food chains that may accept EBT

Calling ahead matters. Restaurant participation changes. In states that participate, approved restaurants often include national fast food and quick service chains as well as locally owned establishments. Examples that may participate in certain areas include Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, KFC, Denny’s, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, and similar restaurants. Participation is never automatic for a chain and depends on whether a specific location has been approved by the state.

Restaurants must meet state and federal requirements, including holding a valid health department permit, preparing hot meals on site, and having EBT payment equipment. Some states also require restaurants to offer basic meal options rather than specialty or premium pricing only. Since participation changes, it is always recommended that SNAP recipients call the restaurant directly before visiting to confirm that EBT is accepted for meals.

Using an EBT Card at a participating restaurant

Using an EBT card at a participating restaurant is similar to using it at a grocery store. After ordering food, the customer informs the cashier that they are paying with an EBT card. The card is swiped or inserted into the point-of-sale system, and the eligible food amount is deducted from the SNAP balance.

SNAP benefits can only be used to pay for eligible food items. Tips, taxes in some states, and non-food items must be paid separately using another form of payment. Some restaurants may limit the amount that can be spent per transaction or per day, depending on state rules. These limits exist to ensure the program is used as intended and not exhausted too quickly.

Since SNAP rules and restaurant policies vary, customers should ask questions at the counter if they are unsure what is covered. Restaurant staff are usually familiar with the process at locations that participate regularly.

Why the Restaurant Meal program matters for low-income households

The Restaurant Meals Program fills an important gap for people who cannot safely cook or store food where they live. Older adults with mobility limitations, people with disabilities, and individuals without stable housing often face barriers that standard grocery benefits do not address. Access to a hot, prepared meal can reduce food insecurity and improve daily nutrition.

For seniors and homebound individuals, the program can complement other food assistance options such as Meals on Wheels, which delivers prepared meals to qualifying older adults. Information about that Meals on Wheels program is also available on our site. In some areas, using SNAP at approved restaurants may be the most practical option when other services are unavailable or waitlisted.

The program can also reduce stigma by allowing eligible recipients to eat in the same public spaces as everyone else. For families and individuals who rely on SNAP, being able to purchase a meal at a restaurant when needed can provide dignity, flexibility, and a sense of normalcy.

In a large number of “food desert” communities, using SNAP benefits at restaurants for a hopefully healthy meal can also be a more affordable option than buying groceries and preparing meals at home. Many fast-food chains offer value meals or dollar menus, which can provide a filling meal for a lower cost than buying ingredients to prepare a similar meal at home.