Can CalFresh EBT be used for online fast food ordering? Which restaurants accept it?

Unfortunately, CalFresh benefits cannot be used to purchase prepared foods or fast food from restaurants in most situations. EBT cards are generally limited to purchasing unprepared food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and authorized retailers. The only exception is if you're enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which is only available to specific eligible households (elderly, disabled, or homeless) in certain counties in California. Even then, it's for in-person purchases only, not online ordering.

This is a common misunderstanding. CalFresh (SNAP) benefits can ONLY be used for unprepared food items that you cook at home. You definitely can't use them for restaurant food or fast food online orders unless you qualify for the RMP (Restaurant Meals Program) which is ONLY for seniors 60+, disabled folks, and homeless individuals - and even then it's just for dining in or takeout, NOT online ordering. The counties with RMP include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sacramento, San Diego, and a few others. You'd need to check with your county office if you think you qualify.

I tried this before and got REJECTED at the register!! So embarrassing! The cashier had to void everything and I had to put stuff back. SNAP/CalFresh is for GROCERIES ONLY - they don't let you buy hot prepared food or restaurant food AT ALL! They make it so hard for working people who don't have time to cook every meal from scratch. The system is designed to PUNISH us!!! 😠

I know everyones saying you cant use it for fast food but thats not 100% true. If your in certain categorys (disabled, elderly over 60, homeless) AND you live in a county with the Restaurant Meals Program then you CAN use CalFresh at some fast food places. Im disabled and use mine at Subway, Dominos, Jack in the Box and some others. BUT you have to go in person, show ID and swipe your card there, no online orders work with EBT, I tried lol.

my friend said he used his at mcdonalds but im pretty sure hes lying cuz when i tried using mine at taco bell they laughed at me lol

Hey guys, I was having a similar problem trying to reach someone at the county office to ask about where I could use my benefits. The wait times were ridiculous - I kept getting disconnected after waiting for like 45 minutes! I found this service called Claimyr that connects you to a CalFresh rep without the wait. Worked great for me - I got through in 5 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or visit claimyr.com. They connected me directly to a CalFresh worker who answered all my questions about where I could use my benefits. Worth it just to avoid the frustration!

i think u can use it at walmart and amazon for online grocery orders but not fast food tho. my sis does pickup orders at walmart with her ebt all the time for her kids

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, there is a list of authorized online retailers for CalFresh EBT. Currently in California, you can use your EBT card online at Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Instacart (for certain stores), and ALDI. The USDA periodically adds new retailers to the program. You can check the official list on the GetCalFresh.org website or the California Department of Social Services site. Remember though, delivery fees cannot be paid with EBT - you'll need another payment method for those charges.

Just wanted to add that if you're looking for quick meal options that work with CalFresh, you might want to check out the prepared food sections at grocery stores like Walmart, Target, or Safeway. They often have rotisserie chickens, pre-made salads, and other ready-to-eat items that ARE eligible for EBT purchase since they're sold in the grocery section, not a restaurant. It's not the same as online fast food ordering, but it could be a good middle ground for those busy nights when you need something quick but don't have time to cook from scratch!