Millions of Americans use the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system to purchase food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. With the rise of fast food, many EBT users are wondering: Does Chick-fil-A accept EBT? The answer is no, but the reasons for this denial are worth exploring, especially for those looking for hot, ready-to-eat meals.
This comprehensive guide explains why Chick-fil-A doesn’t accept EBT, which restaurants do, and how to legally use your EBT card to purchase meals under specific conditions.
What Is EBT and SNAP?
Before diving into Chick-fil-A, it’s important to understand how EBT and SNAP work:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): A federally funded program that provides eligible low-income individuals and families with a monthly food allowance.
- EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer): A debit card system that provides access to SNAP funds. It allows the purchase of approved food products from authorized retailers.
Does Chick-fil-A Accept EBT?
No, Chick-fil-A does not accept EBT cards for payment, whether in-store, at the drive-thru, or through mobile ordering apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Why Not?
There are two main reasons:
- Federal Legal Restrictions: SNAP benefits are limited to raw, unprepared foods. Chick-fil-A sells ready-to-eat hot meals, which are not eligible under federal SNAP guidelines.
- RMP Non-Participation: Only restaurants enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program can accept EBT, and Chick-fil-A does not participate in RMP in any state.
What Is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program is a state-level option under SNAP that allows certain people to purchase hot and prepared meals with their EBT card.
Who Qualifies for RMP?
To qualify for RMP, SNAP recipients must be:
- Elderly (60+)
- Disabled
- Homeless
- Spouses of eligible individuals
Which States Participate in RMP?
As of 2025, only a few states offer RMP:
| State | RMP Available? |
|---|---|
| Arizona | ✅ Yes |
| California | ✅ Yes |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes (limited areas) |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Pilot stage |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes |
| Rhode Island | ✅ Yes |
| Virginia | ✅ Yes |
| New York | ✅ Pilot stage |
Even in these states, only select restaurants participate—and Chick-fil-A is not one of them.
Why Chick-fil-A Is Not Part of the RMP
Chick-fil-A has not applied to or been approved for participation in any state’s Restaurant Meals Program. This could be due to:
- Operational Policies: The company is closed on Sundays and enforces strict corporate standards.
- Business Model: Chick-fil-A may not find implementing meal management systems economically viable.
- Menu Restrictions: Meal management menus must adhere to pricing and nutritional guidelines that may not align with the company’s business strategy.
What You Can Buy with EBT
EBT is mainly used to buy the following eligible food items at authorized grocery stores and supermarkets:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
What You Cannot Buy with EBT:
- Hot, prepared food (like Chick-fil-A meals)
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Vitamins and medicines
- Household items
- Pet food
- Restaurant meals (unless eligible for RMP)
Do Any Fast-Food Restaurants Accept EBT?
Yes, but only in states participating in the RMP. Here are some examples of national chains that accept EBT under the RMP in certain regions:
| Restaurant | Participates in RMP? |
|---|---|
| Subway | ✅ Yes |
| Papa Murphy’s (take-and-bake only) | ✅ Yes |
| Domino’s Pizza | ✅ Yes |
| Jack in the Box | ✅ Yes |
| KFC | ✅ Yes |
| Taco Bell | ✅ Yes |
| Burger King | ✅ Yes |
| El Pollo Loco | ✅ Yes |
| Carl’s Jr. | ✅ Yes |
Note: EBT acceptance depends on location and state approval, even within the same chain.
Does Chick-fil-A Accept EBT on Delivery Apps?
Chick-fil-A is available through delivery platforms like:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- Postmates
However, none of these platforms accept EBT as a payment method. Even if Chick-fil-A accepted EBT (which it doesn’t), delivery services would need their own EBT systems, which don’t currently exist for restaurant purchases.
Alternatives If You Need Hot Meals and Have EBT
If you rely on EBT and are in urgent need of ready-to-eat meals, consider the following:
1. Find Local RMP-Approved Restaurants
Check your state’s SNAP or Department of Human Services website for an updated list of participating restaurants.
2. Visit Local Food Pantries or Soup Kitchens
These restaurants often offer free prepared meals. Search for “free hot meals near me” or visit 211.org to find local resources.
3. Use EBT for Cold Items to Be Heated Later
Some stores sell refrigerated meals or deli meats that you can heat at home, which are SNAP-eligible if they are not sold hot.
4. Check for Meal Delivery Programs
Some nonprofit organizations partner with SNAP programs to deliver meals to the elderly or people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A is a popular fast food chain, but it doesn’t accept EBT (debit card payments) under SNAP rules. This includes in-store, drive-thru, and app orders. While some fast food restaurants participate in the Eat In Restaurant Program in some states, Chick-fil-A isn’t one of them.
