Fast-food restaurants make food accessible to more people, especially those who cannot prepare meals independently due to various reasons including disabilities. In 2021, there will be 197,653 fast-food restaurant businesses across the United States, which shows how they are a regular part of daily life, catering to different zip codes.
Aside from giving access to quick and tasty meals, many fast-food restaurants also partner with the government to help people struggling with food insecurity. In the select cities, millions of Americans may also enjoy the benefit of claiming prepared meals and hot meals from fast food restaurants through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using their valid EBT cards. EBT payments and SNAP payments are alternative payment methods which allow low-income individuals and eligible individuals access to food.
In this article, learn more about the fast-food restaurants and food establishments that accept EBT cards, offering a list of restaurants and various food items, including eligible foods and hot food.
Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT You Should Check Out
If you are eligible for SNAP benefits and your state has a Restaurant Meals Program, like Arizona, California, Maryland, and Rhode Island, you may enjoy free meals from the following restaurants. Eligibility requirements are set by the federal government, and you can check your EBT card balance to plan your purchases.
1. Subway
Subway is considered the largest single-brand restaurant chain in the world, with 37,540 locations in more than 100 countries and territories. Subway is known worldwide for its submarine sandwiches and multiple topping options. Plus, they offer salads, wraps, and drinks, too.
2. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, is one of the leading fast-food restaurants, especially regarding delicious fried chicken. From its humble beginnings in 1952, KFC has become a regular part of many people's lives, and Colonel Sanders has become a household name.
At KFC, you can get their signature fried chicken buckets with their classic sides like mashed potato, coleslaw, and biscuits.
3. Burger King
Burger King is one of the leading multi-national hamburger fast-food chains. It was founded in 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. After financial troubles, it was renamed Burger King in 1954.
These days, Burger King has expanded from burgers, french fries, sodas, and milkshakes to numerous products, especially in their global market. However, its signature burger Whopper will remain the most iconic.
4. Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza has made its name internationally as a quality fast-food pizza. From its origins in Michigan, there are now more than 15,000 Domino's stores worldwide. With its 60 years of service, Domino's continues introducing delicious classic pizzas and innovative flavors for more adventurous eaters.
5. Jamba Juice
If you think fast food cannot be healthy, delicious, and fit, Jamba Juice will change your mind. Jamba Juice is the leading smoothie chain in the world, offering an extensive list of fruit and vegetable smoothies, protein-packed food, and healthy juices.
Jamba Juice products are well-known for being light, refreshing, and nutrient-filled, so they are ideal meals to start the day or as a way to recharge in the afternoon.
6. McDonald’s
McDonald's is considered the world's biggest fast-food chain. It started in 1940 through the efforts of Richard and Maurice McDonald. From a simple hamburger franchise, it became a household name, and now, everyone is familiar with its golden arches.
As of 2021, McDonald's has served over 69 million customers in more than 100 countries daily. Aside from the signature cheeseburgers, you can also enjoy chicken, french fries, fish, fruits, and salad on their menu.
8. Wendy’s
Wendy's has grown into the world's third-largest hamburger fast-food chain from its humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio. Dave Thomas created Wendy's for his daughter, Wendy, and it is now famous for its square-shaped burger patties on circular buns. Aside from the burgers, Wendy's is also famous for its milkshake, the all-time favorite chocolate Frosty.
9. Pizza Hut
When you're in the mood for comfort food, it's hard to beat pizza. That's why it is not surprising that brothers Dan and Frank Carney were able to launch Pizza Hut at Wichita State University for college students who need comfort and convenience. Since then, Pizza Hut has expanded to 18,000 locations, providing fuel to any person of any age who needs a quick fix.
10. Popeye's
Popeye's is another spot famous for its spicy fried chicken. What makes Popeye's chicken shine is its delicious spices and the complementing Creole and Cajun-style sides. Diners will definitely enjoy the Louisiana-style chicken baskets, buttery biscuits, red beans, and rice.
11. Taco Bell
In 1962, Glen Bell opened Taco Bell, a California-based Mexican-inspired fast food restaurant. The restaurant started with chilli burgers, but they are now well-known for their nachos, burritos, and tacos. Taco Bell also earned its following from its unique marketing and publicity techniques, especially from teenagers and college students.
12. Papa Murphy's
Papa Murphy's is another pizza on this list, so it's a good option for individuals looking for an excellent place to get their favorite. It's a newer innovative fast food concept than the others on this list, and what makes it unique is that it follows a take-and-bake pizza concept.
At Papa Murphy's, customers can choose whatever toppings they want on their pizza. Then, they can get the assembled, uncooked pie to cook in their oven at home.
Convenience Stores That Accept EBT For Delivery Services
Aside from getting meals from fast-food restaurants, families with a low income may also use their EBT card at grocery stores or drug stores for purchasing fresh produce and other eligible food items. Some convenience and grocery stores that offer SNAP EBT benefits for online shopping and delivery services include the following:
- Walmart
- Fresh Direct
- Aldi
- Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy
- Food Lion
- Save Mart
- FoodMaxx
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Niemann Foods
- Market 32
- Price Chopper
- ShopRite
- Amazon
Why Are Restaurant Meals Programs Important In The US?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a project launched by the US Department of Agriculture to help states assist people in need of food. The main purpose of this program is to help people with SNAP participation without the means to prepare their meals, providing financial assistance through food benefits.
Most of the beneficiaries of this program are individuals and households who don't have permanent housing at all. However, the qualified SNAP recipients of the Restaurant Meals Programs are limited to:
- Seniors or people who are 60 years old or older
- Homeless people without permanent shelter
- Disabled people who receive disability payments, blindness payments, or disability retirement benefits
- Spouse of a SNAP client
The expansion of EBT card benefits to allow access to fast-food chains and restaurants helps millions of SNAP participants gain further support for their needs. So, if you live in a state where RMP is available, you should check out the USDA partner retailers where you can purchase meals. Meals from restaurants and fresh food from grocery stores are important for maintaining a semblance of normalcy for individuals facing food insecurity.
The given application process for EBT cards and SNAP benefits is regulated by the government entity responsible in your county office. Additional restaurant locations and select restaurants are continuously being added to the program, increasing access to food for eligible recipients.
For more information about EBT cards, check out the Gov Relations guide on how to apply for an EBT card today! Your county office can provide details on eligibility categories and participating SNAP retailers and authorized retailers, ensuring homeless individuals and those living in a halfway house or nighttime residence have an option for affordable meals.
