As the cost of food in the U.S. soars, more and more Americans are relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the largest federal nutrition assistance program. The program, which saw 41.5 million Americans enrolled in 2021, provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families by enabling them to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
By Nicole Spector
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- McDonald’s
- Domino’s
- KFC
- Little Caesars
- Subway
- Popeye’s
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- El Pollo Loco
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Consumers may think that they can only use their SNAP benefits at traditional grocery stores, but they can actually use their EBT cards at a number of other places including Dollar General, 7-Eleven, and select drug stores like Walgreens. They can even use their EBT cards at the following fast food restaurants:
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- McDonald’s
- Domino’s
- KFC
- Little Caesars
- Subway
- Popeye’s
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- El Pollo Loco
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1. Burger King
Burger King is the second largest hamburger chain in the U.S., after McDonald’s. It has more than 18,700 locations in more than 100 countries. Burger King accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California.
2. Carl’s Jr.
Serving customers since 1941, Carl’s Jr. has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and operates in 28 countries. Carl’s Jr. accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California.
3. McDonald’s
No other restaurant is as famous for fast food as McDonald’s, which was opened in 1955. The home of the Happy Meal takes EBT cards in Arizona, California and Michigan.
4. Domino’s
Domino’s was originally called DomNick’s and rebranded as Domino’s in 1965. Today, there are more than 14,400 locations in more than 85 countries. Domino’s accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California.
5. KFC
Fried chicken hasn’t been the same since a man named Harland Sanders came along with his secret recipe many moons ago. KFC accepts EBT cards for meal purchases in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. This includes Arizona and California. Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia offer this program only in certain cities or counties.
6. Little Caesars
Little Caesars was actually founded by a pair named Mike and Marian. They poured their life savings into opening a little pizza store in Garden City, Michigan. Fast forward decades later and business is booming, with over 4,000 locations in the U.S. But only a few Little Caesars locations in San Diego, California take EBT cards.
7. Subway
Famed for its foot-long sandwiches, Subway operates more than 37,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. The fast food chain accepts EBT cards in Arizona, California and Rhode Island.
8. Popeye’s
The beloved fried chicken chain opened 50 years ago in Louisiana and has spread its Southern loving across the world. Popeye’s accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California. The chain also accepts EBT cards in select cities and counties in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia.
9. Taco Bell
Back when Taco Bell was born in 1962, tacos sold for just 19 cents. Surely we’ve come a long way since then. But America hasn’t lost its appetite for this quasi-Mexican cuisine. Taco Bell has over 7,000 locations in the U.S. Select locations in Arizona and California take EBT cards.
10. Wendy’s
With more than 6,500 restaurants worldwide, Wendy’s has become a go-to fast food chain. Wendy’s does take EBT cards, but only in a handful of California counties.
11. El Pollo Loco
Opened back in 1980 and acquired by Denny’s, Inc. in 1983, El Pollo Loco now operates close to 500 locations across the U.S. El Pollo Loco locations in California and Arizona accept EBT cards.
Final Take
Consumers who participate in SNAP should be aware that they can pay for their fast food at a number of chains with their EBT cards — but only if they live in certain states, most commonly California and Arizona. Certain fast food chains have also expanded EBT card usage in Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island and Virginia — but only in select cities or counties.
How Do I Apply for SNAP?
Applying for SNAP benefits can be done online or by visiting a local SNAP office. You must meet certain eligibility requirements, depending on your location.
SNAP benefits are very particular depending on where you live. If enrolled in SNAP, before heading to a supermarket or fast food chain, it’s strongly recommended to check your state guidelines on what is and isn’t allowed, lest you waste a trip or budget for something your benefits don’t actually cover.
Information is accurate as of Dec. 19, 2022.
California is by far the most liberal state when it comes to EBT benefits, as it is the only one in which all 11 fast food restaurants on this list permit EBT card usage. That said, you cannot buy hot food with it from a supermarket.
ALDI
Brothers Marketplace
Cardenas Markets
ExtraMile by Jacksons
Food 4 Less
FoodMaxx
Gong’s IGA Market
Jacksons Food Stores
Lucky Supermarkets
Mar Val Foods
Pavilions
Rancho San Miguel Markets
Safeway
Sam’s Club Scan and Go
Save Mart Supermarkets
Sprouts Farmers Market
Stater Bros.
Super King Market
Superior Grocers
Target
The Market by Superior
Vons
Walmart
Whole Foods
You can pay with EBT for fast food at the following chains in select states:
Burger King
Carl’s Jr.
McDonald’s
Domino’s
KFC
Little Caesars
Subway
Popeye’s
Taco Bell
Wendy’s
El Pollo Loco
You cannot buy hot food with your EBT card in Florida.
In addition to hot food, you cannot buy:
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.
Pet food
Alcohol
Non-food items, such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.
Vitamins, medicines and dietary supplements
Prepared food intended for on-site consumption
Firearms, ammunition and explosives
Live animals
Gift baskets if the value of non-food items is over half of the purchase price
Fees – including retailer fees for the delivery of food and grocery bag fees
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.
Pet food
Alcohol
Non-food items, such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.
Vitamins, medicines and dietary supplements
Prepared food intended for on-site consumption
Firearms, ammunition and explosives
Live animals
Gift baskets if the value of non-food items is over half of the purchase price
Fees – including retailer fees for the delivery of food and grocery bag fees
The California Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible homeless, disabled or elderly people – ages 60 and above – participating in CalFresh to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase hot, prepared food from partnering restaurants. Here’s the list of California counties enrolled in the California Restaurant Meals Program:
Alameda County
Fresno County
Los Angeles County
Mariposa County
Monterey County
Orange County
Riverside County
Sacramento County
San Diego County
San Francisco County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz County
Siskiyou County
Tehama County
Alameda County
Fresno County
Los Angeles County
Mariposa County
Monterey County
Orange County
Riverside County
Sacramento County
San Diego County
San Francisco County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz County
Siskiyou County
Tehama County
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