Does McDonald’s Take Food Stamps [Get The Facts]

David Duford last updated on April 15, 2022

Have you ever had a craving for fast food and wondered if you could use your food stamps to purchase it? If so, read on.

Once you read all of the facts we have prepared, you will know the exact answer to this question, even if there are some exceptions that may surprise you.

So, what is the policy on fast food and EBT cards, and more specifically, are you permitted to purchase meals at McDonald’s with your food stamps?

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Does McDonald’s Take Food Stamps?

In most places across the country, the short answer is no, you cannot buy fast food at McDonald’s with your food stamps.

Because SNAP recipients are low-income families that require additional financial assistance from the government in order to be able to provide nutritious meals for themselves and their children, you may think that any food would be eligible for purchase.

This however is not the case with hot food and food ready to eat in the store.

As a result, even if you can use your EBT card to purchase junk foods such as snacks and beverages, you will not be able to use it to pay at McDonald’s.

Are There Any Exceptions?

YES!

Even though it is the general rule that you are not permitted to purchase any food at McDonald’s with your food stamps, there are certain exceptions.

According to some states, if you are a participant in the RMP (Restaurants Meal Program), you can in fact use your EBT card to pay for your McDonald’s meal at a qualified restaurant. It’s important to remember that most states will not allow this, so contact ahead and ask whether they will accept SNAP benefits before you visit.

Who Is Eligible for the RMP Program?

While it is encouraging to learn that some individuals may use their food stamps to purchase items at McDonald’s, this is an uncommon occurrence, and you must be on the list of those who are eligible to get RMP.

This implies that, in addition to meeting all of the other requirements for receiving an EBT card, the user must also be homeless, elderly, or disabled.

As you can see, the RMP is designated for members of society who are in the greatest danger and require every bit of assistance they can get their hands on. In times of financial hardship, even the most inexpensive and readily available meal at McDonald’s may make all the difference.

Can I Use Food Stamps in Any Fast Food Restaurant?

In this case, the straightforward response would be no. You will not be able to use your EBT card to make purchases at fast-food restaurants.

However, much like with McDonald’s, there are certain establishments that will accept your food stamps if you are on the RMP list of recipients. Keep in mind that those businesses are few, so call ahead and ask if you may pay with your EBT card before heading there.

Food stamp rules are always changing, and the number of restaurants that take food stamps is growing by the minute.

There are a few instances that may accept it today:

El Pollo Loco
Fat Burger
Carl’s Jr
Taco Bell
Pizza Hut
Subway

Depending on the choice made by state officials, this might vary from one state to the next and even within the same state.

What Can You Buy With Food Stamps?

So, even if you are not one of the individuals who can use their food stamps to eat at McDonald’s, there are still options for you to purchase goods and prepare some tasty and nutritious meals.

This includes:

Milk and dairy products;
Cereal;
Fish, poultry, and meat;
Seeds and edible plants;
Grains;
Vegetables;
Fruit;
Snacks;
Refreshing beverages;

For you and your family, this will provide more than enough food for a balanced and healthy meal.

What You Can’t Buy With Food Stamps?

Now that we know that you are unable to purchase fast food at McDonald’s, are there any other restrictions on your EBT card that we should be aware of?

Yes, there are some things that are not available for purchase, such as the following:

Hot food;
Food meant for consumption in the store;
Alcohol;
Household items;
Paper products;
Flowers;

Non-edible products are never included on the list of things that can be purchased with food stamps since doing so would be in violation of the principles that drive the entire program.

Final Thoughts

Consequently, you might be able to get your hands on a Big Mac and some fries at your neighborhood McDonald’s, but don’t depend on it. Most states have a fairly restricted list of persons who are eligible to use their EBT cards to purchase fast food.

With these limits, you are still able to cook delicious meals for your family while staying within your financial range. You only need to invest a little more time and effort than simply stopping at the next fast-food restaurant

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