Does Chick-fil-A Take EBT in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards provide crucial food assistance to millions of low-income Americans through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). But does this aid extend to getting fast food at Chick-fil-A using EBT? Here‘s a comprehensive look at how EBT works with restaurants like Chick-fil-A.
How EBT Cards Work for SNAP Recipients
The SNAP program aims to tackle food insecurity and improve nutrition for low-income households. In 2022, 41 million Americans received SNAP benefits administered through EBT cards.
EBT cards function similarly to debit cards. Eligible recipients are allotted a monthly SNAP balance that can be used to purchase eligible foods like bread, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy at grocery stores and supermarkets.
However, EBT generally cannot be used to purchase hot, prepared foods. This is where the question of buying a burger and fries from Chick-fil-A with EBT comes in.
Why Chick-fil-A Doesn‘t Accept EBT Payments
Chick-fil-A, along with most other fast food chains, does not accept EBT cards for direct payment. A few reasons contribute to this policy:
Prepared vs unprepared food: EBT is intended for ingredients to prepare meals at home rather than ready-to-eat restaurant meals.
Lack of EBT point-of-sale equipment: Chick-fil-A locations are not set up with EBT-enabled registers required for processing EBT transactions.
No application to the Restaurant Meals Program: Unlike some fast food chains, Chick-fil-A has not joined this federal program that would allow it to accept EBT payments.
So when can EBT cards be used for prepared restaurant foods? Enter the Restaurant Meals Program.
The Restaurant Meals Program for EBT Dining
In select states, SNAP recipients who may not be able to cook for themselves can use EBT benefits to buy prepared meals at certain restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Restaurants must apply and be approved to participate in the RMP. As of January 2023, the RMP operates in just four states:
- Arizona
- California
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
Well-known chains like Burger King, Domino‘s, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Wendy‘s have enrolled in the RMP. But Chick-fil-A has not pursued joining the program.
Why Hasn‘t Chick-fil-A Joined the RMP?
Chick-fil-A likely hasn‘t sought RMP approval for a few reasons:
Focus on takeout over dine-in: Most locations do not have extensive dine-in facilities, while RMP rules require on-site dining.
Franchise model: As a franchise, corporate Chick-fil-A may not be able to dictate EBT acceptance at all independently owned locations.
Higher cost food items: Chick-fil-A meals cost more than typical fast food, whereas RMP aims to provide inexpensive dining choices.
Application burden: The RMP application process for a large chain could prove overly demanding compared to potential benefits.
So for now, counting on getting that 12-piece nugget meal with EBT funds is out of the picture at Chick-fil-A. But other options exist for using EBT at fast food restaurants.
Other Fast Food Chains That Accept EBT Through the RMP
If you qualify for restaurant EBT benefits, here are some of the major chains you can visit in RMP states:
| Chain | States |
|---|---|
| Burger King | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
| Domino‘s | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
| KFC | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
| Pizza Hut | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
| Subway | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
| Taco Bell | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
| Wendy‘s | AZ, CA, MI, RI |
But you can only use this restaurant EBT benefit if you meet certain qualifications.
Requirements to Use EBT at Restaurants
To be eligible for RMP benefits, you must:
- Be 60+ years old
- Have a disability and get disability benefits
- Be homeless
- Be the spouse of someone who qualifies
These criteria ensure that prepared meals go to recipients who truly require them. Those who qualify can follow a few steps to use their EBT at participating restaurants.
How to Use EBT at Approved Fast Food Restaurants
Using EBT at Burger King, Taco Bell, or other eligible chains is easy:
- Look for signage that the restaurant accepts EBT.
- When ordering, let the cashier know you will pay with EBT.
- At payment time, insert your EBT card into the point-of-sale device and enter your PIN.
- Get a receipt showing your purchase amount and updated SNAP balance.
And that‘s all you need to enjoy a restaurant meal courtesy of EBT!
The Pros and Cons of EBT for Fast Food Dining
Allowing EBT benefits to be used for prepared meals remains controversial.
Pros of the RMP:
- Provides hot meals for recipients who can‘t cook like seniors, disabled, and homeless
- Makes fast food accessible for low-income people
- Can stimulate revenue for restaurants during economic downturns
Cons of the RMP:
- Contradicts EBT‘s purpose of funding home-cooked meals
- May encourage unhealthy eating from fast food
- Costs taxpayer money subsidizing corporate restaurant chains
- Loose oversight on who uses the benefit
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue. For now, the RMP persists in select areas on a small scale.
The Bottom Line on Chick-fil-A and EBT
Chick-fil-A does not accept EBT cards as payment for meals in its restaurants. EBT is designed for grocery food purchases, while Chick-fil-A specializes in prepared items.
A limited number of states allow EBT for restaurant meals through the Restaurant Meals Program. However, Chick-fil-A has not joined the RMP so far unlike other chains such as McDonald‘s and Subway.
While Chick-fil-A‘s chicken sandwiches remain off-limits for EBT users, plenty of other dining options exist. Those who qualify for the RMP can eat at participating fast food locations in those states.
So the next time you pull up to a Chick-fil-A drive-thru, leave your EBT card behind and bring another form of payment. But for other fast food cravings, EBT may be an option if you check the rules in your state.
