Papa Murphy’s is a unique pizza chain, known for its takeout pizza model: you buy the raw pizza, take it home, and cook it yourself. But if you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, you might be wondering: Does Papa Murphy’s accept EBT?
In this detailed guide, we’ll answer that question, explain how EBT works at Papa Murphy’s, which dishes are eligible, and how to effectively use your benefits at takeout pizza chains.
Quick Answer: Yes, Papa Murphy’s Accepts EBT at Most Locations
Yes, many Papa Murphy’s locations accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for eligible food items, but only for cold, uncooked food. This includes:
- Raw take-and-bake pizzas
- Side items like salads and cookie dough
- Bottled drinks or dairy (if available)
Papa Murphy’s is one of the few national pizza chains approved for EBT payments, largely because it sells uncooked food, which is allowed under SNAP rules.
Why Papa Murphy’s Qualifies for EBT (Unlike Other Pizza Chains)
The key difference is in how Papa Murphy’s prepares and serves food:
| Feature | Papa Murphy’s | Domino’s / Pizza Hut |
|---|---|---|
| Prepares food raw | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (food is cooked) |
| You bake it at home | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Qualifies under SNAP | ✅ Often | ❌ Rarely |
SNAP guidelines prohibit the use of EBT to purchase hot and prepared foods for immediate consumption, which disqualifies most fast-food and sit-down restaurants. But because Papa Murphy’s only sells raw, cook-your-own products, it’s considered more of a grocery store than a restaurant.
Do All Papa Murphy’s Locations Accept EBT?
Not all locations accept EBT, because acceptance depends on:
- State laws and SNAP guidelines
- Franchise owner participation
- Availability of EBT processing systems
Most Papa Murphy’s stores in states that allow EBT at non-traditional retailers (like take-and-bake chains) will accept it. However, some states may not permit SNAP use at Papa Murphy’s, even though the food qualifies under federal rules.
States Where Papa Murphy’s Commonly Accepts EBT:
- California
- Washington
- Oregon
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Minnesota
📞 Pro Tip: Call your local Papa Murphy’s ahead of time and ask:
“Do you accept EBT for take-and-bake pizzas?”
What Can You Buy with EBT at Papa Murphy’s?
According to USDA SNAP rules, you can use your EBT card to purchase any cold, edible item that’s not prepared for immediate consumption.
✅ EBT-Eligible Items at Papa Murphy’s:
- Classic or specialty take-and-bake pizzas
- Raw cookie dough
- Salad kits (if offered)
- Cheese bread or garlic bread (uncooked)
- Cold bottled beverages (non-alcoholic)
❌ Items NOT EBT-Eligible:
- Hot pizzas (if the store offers cooking on-site)
- Cooked or reheated items (at select locations)
- Soda fountain drinks (if considered “prepared”)
- Non-food items (like paper products or utensils)
What About the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a special SNAP program in select states that allows eligible participants (elderly, disabled, or homeless individuals) to buy hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants using EBT.
However, Papa Murphy’s is generally not part of RMP, because:
- It doesn’t sell hot meals
- It doesn’t serve food for immediate consumption
So if you’re in an RMP-approved state (like California or Arizona), you’ll still need to use EBT only for raw, take-home items at Papa Murphy’s.
How to Use EBT at Papa Murphy’s
- Shop for approved items only – Stick to raw food items.
- Swipe your EBT card – The cashier will guide you through the transaction.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN – This confirms the purchase.
- Check your receipt – Make sure only eligible items were charged to EBT.
If you also want to buy non-eligible items, you’ll need to split the payment and pay the rest with cash, credit, or debit.
Final Thoughts
Papa Murphy’s is one of the few restaurant chains that accepts EBT, thanks to its unique takeout model. If you receive SNAP, you can use your benefits to purchase pizza and other cold items at many Papa Murphy’s restaurants.
✅ Summary:
- Yes, Papa Murphy’s accepts EBT at many (but not all) locations.
- EBT can only be used for cold, uncooked food items.
- Acceptance varies by state and store.
- Call ahead to confirm EBT acceptance in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use EBT for Papa Murphy’s pizza delivery?
No. EBT only covers eligible items purchased in-store. Delivery is considered a service, and SNAP does not cover service fees.
Does Papa Murphy’s accept EBT online?
As of 2025, Papa Murphy’s no longer accepts EBT for online orders. You must pay with EBT in-store.
Can I use EBT for meals cooked at Papa Murphy’s?
Only if you are in a state where the restaurant prepares the pizza for you and is part of the RMP. This is rare.
