Can you use CalFresh EBT at Subway restaurants in 2025?

I think it depends on which Subway and what county ur in?? Some do and some don't. I know for SURE the one by my apartment doesnt take EBT but my friend said she used hers at a different location. Its super confusing. Something about the restaurant assistance program but idk all the rules.

Let me clarify this for you. Subway only accepts CalFresh/EBT if the location participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program is only available in certain counties in California, and it's specifically for households with elderly (60+), disabled members, or homeless individuals. You have to be certified as eligible for RMP to use your EBT at participating restaurants, and it will say "RESTAURANT MEALS ALLOWED" on your EBT card. If you don't qualify for RMP, you cannot use CalFresh benefits at any restaurants, including Subway. The RMP counties currently include Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz. Not every restaurant in these counties participates though.

In response to your question about checking before going in - yes, you can verify which restaurants accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program. Check the California Department of Social Services website or your county's CalFresh website for a list of participating restaurants. You can also call your county office to verify your eligibility for the Restaurant Meals Program.

For NON-restaurant meals program people, you CAN still use CalFresh at grocery stores to buy sandwich ingredients! I do this all the time... buy bread, meat, veggies at grocery store, make my own subway-style sandwiches for the week. WAY cheaper too. I spend like $15 and get 5 sandwiches instead of $8 each at Subway!!

Pack the wet ingredients (tomatoes, etc) separately and add them right before eating! Also toast the bread first. Keeps everything perfect!

I used to work at Subway (quit last month) and we did accept EBT but ONLY for people with the Restaurant Meals Program eligibility AND we had a sign up that showed we were part of the program. The system literally won't process regular EBT cards that don't have RMP status - it gets declined. Also not all Subways are approved even in RMP counties because each restaurant has to apply and be approved. The owners have to submit paperwork and some don't bother with it.

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) rules haven't changed in 2025. It's always been limited to elderly, disabled, and homeless CalFresh recipients, and only in certain counties. The confusion comes because some people use their EBT *cash* benefits (from CalWORKs, not CalFresh) at restaurants, which is different. CalFresh food benefits can only be used at restaurants if you qualify for RMP and the restaurant participates. If you don't qualify for RMP, your CalFresh benefits can only be used for unprepared food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. One helpful resource is the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Locator in the CalFresh app or BenefitsCal website, which was added in late 2024. It shows all participating restaurants with their addresses and hours.

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I checked and I don't qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program since I'm not elderly, disabled, or homeless. I'm going to try the suggestion about buying sandwich ingredients at the grocery store with my EBT and making my own lunches. Seems like it'll save me money anyway! I never knew about the difference between CalFresh and CalWORKs cash benefits before, so I learned something new.