List Of Places That Take EBT For Hot Food: An Ultimate Guide

Looking for places that take EBT for hot food? Many people don’t realize that certain restaurants and food vendors now accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program helps eligible SNAP recipients buy prepared, ready-to-eat meals when cooking isn’t possible.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top places that take EBT hot food and some tips for purchasing at participating locations near you. Get details below!

1. Can You Buy Hot Food with EBT?

SNAP recipients can’t use their EBT cards to buy hot food. In other words, you can’t buy roasted chicken, hot pizza, hot coffee, or anything else that is hot when you buy it with Food Stamps.

Despite that, SNAP benefits may apply if the cooked food is sold cold and is meant to be eaten somewhere else, like a restaurant sandwich or salad that comes in a package and is kept cold at the store.

Notably, SNAP users can use EBT at restaurants in some states if they are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program lets certain groups of SNAP recipients use their benefits at restaurants that are approved by the program.

This program aims to help people who might not be able to cook their own food, like the old, disabled, or homeless.

>>> Read more: Find out things you can buy with EBT!

2. Which States Allow SNAP Benefits to Purchase Hot Food?

The RMP is not a national program and is only available in a few states.

At the moment, there are places that take EBT for hot food (states that are taking part in the RMP): Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

The Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the program also doesn’t force restaurants to pick and choose who can and can’t use their benefits to buy food from them.

SNAP recipients will instead get special Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that they can only use at participating restaurants. If a client isn’t qualified, their EBT card will be turned down.

3. Tips to Purchase at Places That Take EBT for Hot Food

Many SNAP recipients may be unable to use or be qualified for the RMP. However, they may still be able to (kind of) buy hot food with EBT via these methods:

• Take-and-bake pizza: You can use EBT to buy a ready-to-bake pizza that isn’t cooked yet and then heat it up at home.
• Halal (Middle Eastern) stores and restaurants: Several Halal delis and stores in the region have a diner or kitchen attached to them. When people buy cold food, they might offer to warm it up or make it for free. This means you can buy the food with SNAP because it is raw when sold.

4. How to Maximize Your EBT Benefits with TAG Mobile?

If you get SNAP benefits through your EBT card, you can get even more support by signing up for other government programs, such as Lifeline. This government program helps low-income families pay for essential communication services like phone and internet access.

If you get EBT, you are instantly qualified for Lifeline, which lowers your monthly phone or internet bills.

Particularly, it offers participants a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on their phone or internet service. These savings can be higher, up to $34.25, for people who live on Tribal lands.

Especially, if you apply for service through a reputable Lifeline provider like TAG Mobile, you may qualify for more benefits, including:

• A free government phone, tablet, or even a laptop from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, etc.
• Generous monthly data plan and free phone service with Food Stamps, including unlimited talk and text.
• Nationwide network coverage.
• No activation fee, credit check, or contract required.
• Free international calling to more than 200 regions.

Looking for a free mobile device? Simply visit tagmobile.com, input your ZIP code, select a Lifeline plan, and pick your low-cost or free device (smartphone, tablet, bundle, smartwatch). If accepted, your device will be sent to you within a few days.

DISCLAIMER: The government does not cover device costs, only basic service through Lifeline. Any free or discounted devices, upgrades, or top-ups are limited-time TAG Mobile offers and may vary by state, eligibility, and availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Conclusion

We hope that the information above has helped you find places that take EBT for hot food that you can use. Furthermore, you should get the most out of your benefits by comprehending the rules and helpful suggestions in this guide. Start using your EBT card and getting Lifeline benefits immediately to save money and improve your life!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t you use EBT for hot food?

The US Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not allow you to use SNAP or EBT to pay for most hot foods. This is because the program is meant to help people prepare groceries at home, and hot meals are prepared foods, not staple items for retailer eligibility.

Can you use EBT for hot food on DoorDash?

You can use EBT benefits on DoorDash for purchases at select 7-Eleven locations, Acme, Albertsons, etc. However, hot food and ready-to-eat meals are regarded as non-eligible items in certain places.

Does EBT work on hot food at Walmart?

You can use your EBT card for self-checkout and regular checkout at Walmart stores. Even so, EBT benefits don’t cover hot or ready-made foods like pizza and fresh roasted chicken.