What restaurants in Fresno accept EBT/CalFresh? Restaurant Meals Program options needed

The Restaurant Meals Program in Fresno is pretty limited tbh. Last I checked (Jan 2025) these were still participating: - Jack in the Box (most locations but NOT the one on Shaw) - Subway (but only certain ones - the one on Blackstone definitely does) - Denny's on Blackstone - Carl's Jr on Kings Canyon - Some Taco Bell locations Make sure your mom has the special RMP designation on her EBT card though. Not all elderly/disabled automatically get enrolled - she needs to request it specifically on her account. The cashiers will look for that designation when she tries to use her card.

Thank you so much! I'll check these out with her. Do you know if she needs to get a new EBT card for the RMP designation or can they just update her existing one?

I work at the Clinton & Blackstone Pizza Hut and we just started accepting EBT about two months ago as part of the Restaurant Meals Program. But your mom MUST be coded as RMP eligible on her EBT card - the register system checks for that. Lots of people come in not realizing they need to have that specific coding on their account.

wait Pizza Hut takes ebt now?? i tried using mine their last month and they said no. maybe only certain locations?

There's an app called

I had no idea about the app - downloading it now. And she's not completely homebound but has mobility issues that make cooking difficult. I'll definitely ask about the AWAWD exemption though, thanks!

Heads up - most of these restaurants won't publicly advertise they take EBT because they don't want to be overwhelmed. When I called to verify for my uncle (who's eligible for RMP), many said no initially until I specifically mentioned

That's a great tip about specifically mentioning RMP when asking restaurants! And thanks for the Claimyr suggestion - I've been dreading calling the county office because their hold times are ridiculous. Will definitely check that out since we need to make sure her card has the right designation.

DONT BOTHER WITH MCDONALDS IN FRESNO!!! they all have signs saying they take ebt but EVERY SINGLE ONE refused my brothers card last week even tho hes in the rmp program. such bs they still have the signs up!!!

This happened to me too! I think McDonald's pulled out of the program recently but haven't updated their signage. So frustrating.

If your mom needs delivery options, some of the meal kit services accept EBT now, not just for restaurant meals but for grocery delivery. Doesn't solve the hot prepared food issue but might help supplement so she's not dependent only on restaurants. My grandmother uses Instacart with her CalFresh benefits and it's been really good for her independence.

That's a good idea for her to have groceries delivered too. She doesn't cook much anymore, but things like rotisserie chickens and prepared cold foods from the deli would work. Does Instacart mark up the prices a lot when using EBT?

jus wanted to mention somtimes the cashiers at these places dont even kno their own policy lol. my cousin got turned away at dennys by a new cashier who swore they didnt take ebt, then the manager came over & fixed it. so if ur mom gets told no maybe ask for manager to double check

This is so true. I've had the exact same experience. The turnover at these restaurants is so high that new employees often don't get trained on RMP procedures. Always worth asking for a manager.

There's a Jamba Juice on Shaw that takes EBT for RMP participants. Found out totally by accident when the person in front of me used their card. Don't think many people know about that one!

Oh that's perfect! My mom loves smoothies. I'm putting together a little list for her from all these suggestions. Thanks everyone for the help! She's going to be so happy to have some options.

Hey Ryan! I'm new to the area but went through this same process with my grandmother last year. One thing that really helped was calling the Fresno County Human Services Agency directly at (559) 600-8100 and asking for the RMP coordinator. They have a more updated list than what's on the website and can tell you exactly which locations are currently participating. Also, some places like Papa Murphy's take EBT but only for their "take and bake" pizzas (not the hot ready-made ones), which might still work if your mom has access to an oven. The county office can also help expedite getting her card updated with the RMP designation if she doesn't already have it. Good luck!