Living on a tight budget in California can be tough, especially when relying on EBT to cover your meals. Sometimes, cooking is not an option, and grabbing a quick bite is the only choice.
That’s why many ask, What fast food accepts EBT in California? This post will explore which restaurants participate in the program and how to find one in the Golden State.
Can You Buy Fast Food with EBT in California?
You can visit a fast food restaurant and buy food thanks to the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
This initiative allows eligible individuals at high risk for chronic hunger to utilize their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants.
In California, the RMP started as a trial program in San Francisco County in the early 2000s and has now expanded to encompass 18 counties.
Individuals who receive CalFresh Food benefits must meet the following requirements:
- An adult aged 60 or older,
- A person with a disability,
- The spouse of an individual who belongs to one of the above categories, or
- A person experiencing homelessness.
What is great is that if you are eligible for CalFresh, you are also qualified for the Lifeline program. This federal initiative makes communications services more affordable for low-income individuals.
Especially, when you apply for this program through an authorized service provider like AirTalk Wireless, you can get a government phone or tablet at no cost.
What Fast Food Accepts EBT in California?
People may assume they can only use SNAP benefits at regular grocery stores. Yet, in fact, they may also use their EBT cards in other locations.
Can you buy fast food with EBT in California? Yes, you can visit one of the following restaurants:
Burger King
Burger King is known as the second-largest hamburger chain in the country, behind McDonald’s. It operates over 18,700 outlets in over 100 countries.
This fast-food restaurant is famous for its flame-grilled burgers, which include classics such as the Whopper and chicken sandwiches. Also, their menu includes milkshakes, fries, and salads, appealing to a wide range of preferences.
California has over 201 Burger King stores that accept EBT.
Del Taco
In some places, Del Taco accepts EBT for Mexican-inspired meals. California has more than 216 Del Taco shops that accept EBT.
This restaurant’s menu mixes Mexican and American tastes. They specialize in burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, including the popular Classic Del Combo. You may also get fries, burgers, and shakes there.
Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s was initially known as DomNick’s until rebranding as Domino’s in 1965.
From conventional pepperoni to specialized selections like the ExtravaganZZa, Domino’s always has a pizza for every taste. Moreover, it serves spaghetti, chicken, and other sides.
This fast food restaurant accepts SNAP benefits at over 79 locations in California.
El Pollo Loco
Over 193 El Pollo Loco locations accept EBT cards through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.
It is known for its flame-grilled chicken. Customers love their unique citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken.
Also, they provide many Mexican-inspired cuisines such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, giving eligible participants a taste of Mexico with each bite.
Fatburger
What fast food accepts EBT in California? 33 Fatburger places in California take EBT benefits.
This restaurant is known for its delectable burgers and shakes.
Their burgers are crafted with lean beef patties, perfectly cooked, and garnished with many fresh toppings.
Frosty King
Can you buy fast food with EBT in California? Yes, you may visit one of California’s four Frosty King locations.
Frosty King focuses on fulfilling your sweet tooth with delicious ice cream delights, such as sundaes, banana splits, and cones. Furthermore, it also serves savory alternatives such as hot dogs and hamburgers.
KFC
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a favorite choice among California Restaurant Meals Program participants.
They’re famed for their crispy and tasty fried chicken, which comes in many meal options, from buckets to sandwiches.
Currently, over 208 KFC outlets in California take EBT under the CalFresh RMP program.
La Pizza Loca
From their unique loca pizzas with robust flavors to basic favorites like cheese and pepperoni, La Pizza Loca provides various pizza selections to satisfy your appetite.
Their devotion to quality and taste guarantees eligible participants an unforgettable pizza experience.
9 La Pizza Loca locations currently accept EBT cards.
Pizza Hut
Don’t know what fast food accepts EBT in California? More than 318 Pizza Hut restaurants take EBT cards in the Golden State.
Its menu includes spaghetti, wings, and sumptuous desserts, allowing program participants to fulfill their pizza needs while still enjoying various appetizing selections.
Whether you want thin crust or deep-dish, Pizza Hut always has something for everyone.
Tam’s Burgers
Tam’s Burgers is pleased to take part in the Restaurant Meals Program. This program includes 14 Tam’s Burgers stores that accept EBT benefits California.
Notably, Tam’s Burgers offers a good and economical choice for program participants seeking a traditional burger joint experience.
Other restaurants that accept EBT in California
In addition to the participating restaurants mentioned above, there are other options that you can consider, including:
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Waba Grill
- Yoshinoya
- Wendy’s
- Wienerschnitzel
- Wingstop
- Taco Bell
- Subway
- Sombrero, and more
How to Find Restaurants That Take EBT?
There are a few methods to discover restaurants that participate in the RMP.
First, you can utilize the SNAP Retailer Locator. This tool lets anybody find local SNAP-authorized retailers by entering a street location, city and state, or zip code.
To receive details and instructions, input your starting location and choose a map point or retailer.
Furthermore, participating eateries that take EBT will display a sign indicating this. This sign is frequently put on a door, in a storefront window, or at the cash register.
The sign may say, “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.” Also, it can include the symbol of a fork and a knife.
Furthermore, restaurants in the program must provide discounted meals to SNAP recipients on their menus.
Every EBT card issuer features a customer service number, usually on the card’s back. It can provide information on participating eateries in your region.
Alternatively, you can contact your local SNAP office to get the list of eligible restaurants.
Last but not least, if you are not sure, phone the restaurant and ask if they take EBT as payment.
Conclusion
If you have ever wondered what fast food accepts EBT in California, you’ll be glad to know many options are available. Thanks to the state’s participation in the RMP, eligible EBT users can enjoy meals from various well-known chains. Make sure to check your local listings, as availability may vary by county and restaurant location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Domino’s take EBT in California?
Domino’s accepts EBT at 60 locations in California. However, it only works in restaurants approved to take food stamps under the Restaurant Meals Program.
Can you use EBT at Burger King in California?
Fortunately, over 201 Burger King restaurants in California take EBT cards.
Can I use EBT at Panda Express in California?
Panda Express accepts EBT at several locations in California. Nevertheless, as with other restaurants in the RMP, only specific locations participate.
