People often wonder if they can buy hot food with SNAP benefits using EBT cards. Generally, you can’t use EBT cards to buy hot food intended for on-site consumption. However, there are exceptions. In some states, you can use EBT cards to purchase hot food from approved grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants. Since rules vary by state, it’s crucial to check your state’s specific guidelines.
EBT and Hot Food Purchases
Typically, you can’t use your EBT card to buy hot food or food meant to be eaten in the store, including rotisserie chicken and prepared deli items. However, some states allow EBT benefits to be used for hot food. Since the rules vary by state, it’s important to check your state’s specific guidelines to avoid any confusion.
Restaurant Meals Program
Some states have the Restaurant Meals Program, allowing eligible individuals to use SNAP benefits for hot meals at participating restaurants. This program supports those who are homeless, elderly, or disabled and lack access to a kitchen.
Eligibility requires meeting certain criteria and state SNAP agency approval. Currently, the program is available in parts of California, Arizona, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Florida.
Here are examples of state policies on using EBT benefits for hot food:
- California: EBT cards can be used at participating restaurants.
- Arizona: EBT cards can be used at participating restaurants and convenience stores.
- Rhode Island: EBT cards can be used at participating restaurants and convenience stores.
- New York: EBT cards cannot be used for hot food.
- Texas: EBT cards cannot be used for hot food.
Even in states allowing EBT purchases of hot food, there may be restrictions. For instance, in California, EBT benefits can only buy hot food prepared and packaged for immediate consumption. In Arizona and Rhode Island, any hot food, including made-to-order items, can be purchased with EBT benefits. Check your state’s specific guidelines for details.
Common Misconceptions About EBT Benefits for Hot Food
Misconception 1: Hot food items can never be purchased with EBT benefits
This isn’t entirely true. While some states don’t allow hot food purchases with EBT benefits, others do. As of October 1, 2019, all states must participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, which lets eligible individuals use EBT benefits to buy hot meals at participating restaurants.
Misconception 2: EBT benefits can only be used to purchase cold food items
This is also not true. While EBT benefits can be used for cold food items like packaged goods, dairy, and produce, they can also be used for certain hot food items in some states. For example, hot sandwiches, pizza, and other prepared meals can be purchased with EBT benefits in certain states.
Misconception 3: EBT benefits can be used to purchase any type of hot food item
This is incorrect. Even in states that allow hot food purchases with EBT benefits, there are restrictions. EBT benefits can’t be used for hot food meant to be eaten in the store, like rotisserie chicken and prepared deli foods. They also can’t be used for hot items not considered part of a meal, such as hot coffee or tea.
To learn more about the range of items you can purchase with an EBT card please refer to our comprehensive guide ‘What You Can Buy with EBT’. This guide offers valuable insights into the types of products eligible for EBT purchases.