The restaurant program is meant to support people who are unable to make their own meals or who may not have permanent housing where food can be stored. But what does that mean in practice? And how can you find restaurants that accept EBT and are part of the program? There are a few ways to find restaurants that are part of the Restaurant Meals Program. Participating states, for instance, often have interactive RMP restaurant locator maps or full participating restaurant lists available on the state website.
Typically, participating restaurants that accept EBT payment will have a sign somewhere stating this fact. Often this sign is displayed in a front window, on a door, or near the cash register. Restaurants that participate in the program must also offer a discounted meal for SNAP participants on their menu.
You can also call your local SNAP office to request the names of participating restaurants. The Restaurant Meals Program has not been adopted by every state.
Currently, the RMP is available in nine states across the country that have opted to implement it. The participating states are:. Here's a snapshot of some of the restaurants nationwide that participate in the RMP program meaning they all accept EBT. New York. Rhode Island. If you are one of the nine states that offer the RMP, eligible individuals may use their EBT cards to purchase meals at select fast food restaurants. However, while many fast food restaurants accept EBT, the specific level of participation may vary by state.
Here's a closer look at popular fast food restaurants and their EBT participation. If you're using an EBT card to buy a meal at a participating restaurant, you can order whatever food you want from the menu. In addition, it's important to note that while RMP allows participants to purchase hot meals, that does not mean this benefit can be used to purchase hot foods from any store that accepts EBT payment. The program is specifically approved for restaurant purchases, says Propel policy specialist Julianna Lai.
