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:\n\n- Jack in the Box (most locations but NOT the one on Shaw)\n- Subway (but only certain ones - the one on Blackstone definitely does)\n- Denny's on Blackstone\n- Carl's Jr on Kings Canyon\n- Some Taco Bell locations\n\nMake 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!

Just wanted to add that I've seen some success with the Golden Corral on Blackstone - they started accepting EBT for RMP participants about 6 months ago. It's buffet style so your mom can get a hot meal and pick exactly what she wants. The staff there seems pretty knowledgeable about the program too. Also, if she's comfortable with it, I'd suggest having her carry a printed copy of her RMP eligibility letter along with her EBT card. Some cashiers get confused about the program and having that backup documentation can help avoid awkward situations. The county should have given her this letter when she got approved for RMP status.

Ryan, I just wanted to share that my elderly neighbor has had really good luck with the Round Table Pizza on Herndon - they've been consistently accepting EBT for RMP participants for the past few months. The staff there seems well-trained on the program. Also, one tip I learned from the county office: if your mom runs into issues at any restaurant, she can ask them to call the EBT customer service number (on the back of her card) right there at the register. They can verify her RMP status over the phone and walk the cashier through the process. It's saved my neighbor from having to leave empty-handed a few times. Hope this helps and that your mom gets some good meal options sorted out!

Hey Ryan! I'm also in Fresno and have been helping my disabled dad navigate the RMP system. One place that's been super reliable is the KFC on First & Herndon - they always accept his EBT and the staff knows the drill. Also, I discovered that some locations of Popeyes participate but you have to ask specifically because they don't advertise it. Pro tip: I made my dad a little card with the RMP customer service number (1-877-328-9677) that he keeps in his wallet. If there's ever confusion, he can have the cashier call that number to verify his eligibility status. It's saved him from multiple embarrassing situations where newer employees didn't know about the program. Also wanted to mention that the Fresno EOC (Economic Opportunities Commission) sometimes has updated RMP restaurant lists - might be worth giving them a call at (559) 263-1000. They've been more helpful than the county website in my experience!

Just moved to Fresno myself and dealing with similar issues for my elderly aunt! One thing I discovered that hasn't been mentioned yet is that some locations of El Pollo Loco accept EBT for RMP - specifically the one on Shaw & Marks. They have grilled chicken meals that are actually pretty healthy options. Also, I found out that the Fresno County library system has computers you can use to check the official USDA RMP restaurant locator online if your mom isn't tech-savvy but wants to double-check locations before going out. The librarians at the main branch downtown have been super helpful walking seniors through how to use it. One more tip - I noticed some restaurants will only process EBT during certain shifts when managers who know the system are working. Might be worth asking what times of day are best when she calls ahead!

Ryan, I work at the Fresno County DSS office and wanted to share some insider info that might help your mom! We actually have a dedicated RMP specialist (Maria Santos) who maintains the most current restaurant list - you can reach her directly at (559) 600-8127. She updates the participating locations weekly because restaurants drop in and out of the program frequently. A few things that aren't widely known: - Some restaurants only accept RMP during breakfast/lunch hours (not dinner) due to staffing - The Panda Express on Blackstone near Shields participates but many people don't know - If a restaurant has old "We Accept EBT" signage but says they don't anymore, ask them to try running the card anyway - sometimes their systems still work even if staff thinks they're not participating Also, your mom should definitely get signed up for text alerts about RMP changes. Maria can set that up for her - it's been really helpful for our other clients to know when new restaurants join or when locations temporarily stop accepting EBT due to equipment issues. Hope this helps! The program can be confusing but Maria is amazing at walking people through everything.

Hey Ryan! I'm actually a social worker here in Fresno and work with a lot of seniors navigating the RMP system. One resource that's been super helpful for my clients is the Fresno Senior Nutrition Program - they have hot meal delivery services that accept CalFresh benefits and can supplement the restaurant options. You can reach them at (559) 600-4405. Also wanted to mention that some of the smaller family-owned restaurants participate but don't advertise it widely. There's a little Mexican place called Lupita's on Cedar & Dakota that I know takes RMP - they make fresh hot meals and the owner is really patient with seniors figuring out their EBT cards. Might be worth giving them a call! One last tip - I always tell my clients to keep a small notebook with them listing the restaurants that have worked for them, along with the best times to go and which staff members are familiar with RMP. It helps build confidence and saves time on future visits. Your mom sounds lucky to have such a caring son helping her navigate all this!

Hey Ryan! I just went through this exact same process with my grandfather who's also in the RMP program here in Fresno. One thing that really helped us was downloading the "Fresh EBT" app - it has a restaurant locator feature that shows which places near you accept EBT for hot meals. It's been way more accurate than the county website! Also wanted to mention that the 99 Ranch Market on Blackstone has a hot food bar that accepts EBT for RMP participants. It's not technically a restaurant but they have fresh prepared meals and it's been a great option when my grandpa wants something different. The staff there is super helpful too. One tip I learned the hard way - always have your mom ask to speak with a manager if the cashier says they don't take EBT. I've found that newer employees often don't know about the RMP program, but managers usually do. Saved us from walking away from several places that actually do participate! Hope this helps and good luck getting everything sorted out for your mom!

Hey Ryan! I'm relatively new to the area but wanted to share a resource that's been super helpful for my disabled neighbor. The Fresno County Aging and Adult Services department actually has a volunteer program called "EBT Buddies" where they'll send someone to go with seniors to restaurants the first few times to help them navigate the RMP system. It's not widely advertised but you can ask about it when you call the main number. Also, I discovered that the In-N-Out on Shaw actually participates in RMP now - they started about 3 months ago but haven't updated their signage yet. The managers there are really well-trained on the program though. Just thought I'd mention it since your mom might enjoy having a burger option that's a bit higher quality than the typical fast food chains! One more thing - I noticed several people mentioned calling ahead to restaurants. What's worked well for my neighbor is actually going during off-peak hours (like 2-4 PM) when staff have more time to help if there are any EBT processing issues. The lunch and dinner rushes can be stressful for everyone involved. Hope your mom finds some good options from all these suggestions! This community really came through with helpful info.

Just wanted to jump in as someone who recently moved to Fresno with my elderly father who's also on RMP! One place that hasn't been mentioned yet is the Wienerschnitzel on Fulton - they've been consistently accepting EBT for RMP participants and the staff there seems really well-trained on the process. My dad loves their chili cheese dogs and it's become one of his regular spots. Also, I found out that some Starbucks locations in grocery stores (like the one inside SaveMart on Herndon) will accept EBT for certain prepared food items if you're RMP eligible - not just drinks but also their sandwiches and protein boxes. It's nice for when he wants something lighter. One thing I learned that might help your mom - I created a simple laminated card for my dad with his name, "RMP Participant" clearly written on it, and the EBT customer service number. He shows it along with his EBT card and it seems to help cashiers understand what they're dealing with right away. Might save your mom some awkward explanations! Hope she finds some good spots from all these great suggestions everyone's shared!

Hey Ryan! I'm new to Fresno but went through this same situation with my grandmother in another California county last year. One thing that really helped us was finding out that some gas stations with hot food counters also participate in RMP - like certain 7-Eleven and Circle K locations. The 7-Eleven on Blackstone & Nees has a pretty good selection of hot prepared foods (pizza, hot dogs, taquitos) and they definitely accept EBT for RMP participants. Also wanted to mention that I discovered some pharmacies like CVS that have MinuteClinic locations sometimes have grab-and-go prepared meals that qualify for RMP. It's not a full meal solution but could be helpful for lighter options when your mom doesn't want to go to a restaurant. One tip I learned from my grandmother's case worker - she said to always have your mom keep her RMP approval letter with her EBT card. Even though the designation should show up in the system, having the physical letter as backup has saved us from several situations where the cashier wasn't sure about the program. Hope this helps! It sounds like this community has given you an amazing list of options for your mom.

Hey Ryan! I'm pretty new to the Fresno area but I've been helping my aunt navigate the RMP system and wanted to share a couple things that haven't been mentioned yet. The Chipotle on Herndon & West actually started accepting EBT for RMP participants about a month ago - they're still training staff on it but the managers know the process. Also, I discovered that the hot deli counter at WinCo Foods on Shaw will process EBT for prepared hot items if you're RMP eligible, which gives your mom access to things like rotisserie chicken, hot soup, and other prepared meals that might feel more home-cooked than typical fast food. One thing that's been super helpful for my aunt is that I made her a small pocket-sized card with key phrases to use: "I'm eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program" and "Can you please run this as a prepared meal transaction?" Sometimes the specific wording helps cashiers understand what type of EBT transaction they need to process. Also, the Fresno Food Bank (559-237-3663) maintains an unofficial but pretty current list of RMP participating locations that they share with their clients - might be worth calling them too. Your mom is so lucky to have you advocating for her! This thread has been amazingly helpful - I'm definitely going to try some of these suggestions for my aunt too.