Can P-EBT be used at fast food restaurants like regular CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program?

No, P-EBT and regular CalFresh EBT are different programs with different rules. P-EBT can only be used to purchase eligible food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers that accept EBT - just like the food portion of regular CalFresh. The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a special program that only applies to regular CalFresh benefits for households that have members who are elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless. P-EBT cards cannot be used at restaurants, even if your county participates in RMP.

i tried using my kids p-ebt at mcdonalds last month and it got declined so dont bother

For your road trip, maybe buy some bread, lunch meat, fruits, etc. at a grocery store before you leave? That's what we do with our P-EBT benefits when traveling with the kids. Much healthier than fast food anyway!

Just to provide some additional clarity: P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) was created specifically to replace the value of school meals when children couldn't access them during school closures and now continues for eligible students. The program is administered by different rules than regular CalFresh benefits. While regular CalFresh benefits can be used at approved restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in certain counties and for certain qualifying individuals (elderly, disabled, or homeless), P-EBT does not have this option. P-EBT cards can only be used at locations that accept EBT for grocery purchases. If you're planning a road trip, I'd recommend planning ahead by purchasing eligible food items at grocery stores that you can take with you. Items like bread, spreads, fruits, vegetables, granola bars, and other travel-friendly foods would be good options. You might also look up grocery stores along your route in case you need to restock during the trip.

P-EBT is meant to replace SCHOOL MEALS not give kids fast food!!! School meals have nutrition requirements - certain amounts of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, etc. Fast food doesn't meet those standards at all! That's why they don't allow it.

When I got my kids' P-EBT cards I tried calling the number on the back to ask questions but I just kept getting stuck in an automated system that never connected me to a person. So frustrating!

Have you downloaded the ConnectEBT app? It's super helpful for tracking your P-EBT balance and finding stores that accept it. Most grocery stores and even places like Walmart and Target accept P-EBT, so you should be able to find places along your route.

Just remember that P-EBT balances expire after a certain period (I think it's something like 274 days from when they're issued) so make sure to use them before they disappear! I lost about $300 last year because I forgot about some funds on my kids' cards.

For road trips with P-EBT, I've found it really helpful to plan grocery stops at larger chain stores like Safeway, Kroger, or even Walmart since they're usually easy to find along highways and accept EBT. You can grab things like individual bags of chips, crackers, string cheese, apples, bananas, and juice boxes - stuff that doesn't need refrigeration and is easy for kids to eat in the car. I also recommend checking if your route goes through any areas with WinCo or other budget grocery stores since you can stretch those P-EBT dollars further there. Safe travels!