Where can I use CalFresh EBT to buy hot prepared food? Restaurant Meals Program locations

This is called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), and it's only available to specific CalFresh recipients - those who are homeless, elderly (60+), or disabled. Also, it's not available in all counties yet. If you qualify, you should see "RMP" printed on your EBT card. Participating restaurants include places like Subway, Domino's, certain Jack in the Box locations, and some local restaurants. Which county are you in?

i use mine at deli counter at walmart!!!! they have hot chicken and stuff you can buy

It depends if your eligible for the RMP (Restaurant Meals Program). I'm disabled so I qualify and use it at Subway, Dominos and some local Chinese restaurants in my area. You need to be homeless, elderly (over 60) or disabled to use it. Also its only available in certain counties in CA - I know LA County, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sacramento have it. If your eligable your EBT card will say "RMP" on it. The CalFresh website for your county should have a list of participating restaurants.

I spent THREE HOURS on hold trying to ask my county worker about this exact thing last month!!! The system is SUCH a joke. I got disconnected twice before finally reaching someone who barely knew what the Restaurant Meals Program even was! If you need to reach CalFresh by phone, try using Claimyr.com - it saved me so much time when I had to call back. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. It basically calls and waits on hold for you, then calls your phone when an actual person picks up. Worked way better than sitting on hold for hours.

my grandma gets to use her ebt at kfc and jack in box she says its great for when she dont feel good enough to cook which is most days now with her arthritis

Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in this thread: There are TWO separate things being discussed here: 1. The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) - This special program allows elderly (60+), disabled, and homeless CalFresh recipients to use their benefits at approved restaurants for hot, prepared food. You must meet eligibility requirements, and it's only available in certain counties. Your EBT card will say "RMP" if you qualify. 2. Regular CalFresh food benefits - These CANNOT be used for hot, prepared foods ready to eat. However, you CAN purchase cold prepared foods that you heat at home (like a cold rotisserie chicken or cold prepared sandwich). Regular CalFresh benefits are only for: - Unprepared foods (groceries) - Cold prepared foods intended to be heated at home - Seeds/plants that produce food They CANNOT be used for: - Hot foods ready to eat - Non-food items (soap, paper products, etc.) - Alcohol/tobacco - Vitamins/medicines Hope this helps clear up some confusion!

not to change subject but does anyone kno if grocery store delis that make fresh sandwiches count as hot food or cold food for ebt? like if i get a sandwich made at safeway can i use my ebt??

For those interested in the Restaurant Meals Program, here's some additional information: 1. Counties currently participating in RMP as of 2025: Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma. 2. To qualify, you must receive CalFresh AND be either: - Age 60 or older - Receiving disability benefits (SSI, SSDI, etc.) - Homeless (lacking fixed/regular nighttime residence) - Spouse of an eligible RMP participant 3. How to check if you're eligible: Your EBT card will have "RMP" printed on it if you qualify. If you think you qualify but don't see this, contact your county office. 4. Finding participating restaurants: Each county maintains its own list of participating restaurants. You can check your county's CalFresh website or ask for a list from your county worker. If you want to learn more about the program or check eligibility, contact your county CalFresh office.

Hey everyone! I'm new to this community and just wanted to say thank you for all the helpful information in this thread. I'm a single parent working two jobs and was really hoping the hot food program would help me out, but I see I don't qualify either. However, I learned a lot about what I CAN use my EBT for that I didn't know before! The cold prepared foods option at grocery stores sounds like it could still save me some time. Does anyone know if places like Costco or Sam's Club deli counters accept EBT for their cold prepared items? I have a membership and their portions are usually pretty good for families. Thanks again for being so welcoming and informative!

Welcome to the community! I'm also relatively new here and have found everyone to be super helpful. Just wanted to add that if you're looking for quick meal solutions with your EBT, don't overlook the frozen food section either - there are tons of healthy frozen meals that you can grab and heat up that are often cheaper than the deli counter options. I work long shifts too and have found that stocking up on frozen burritos, pasta dishes, and even frozen vegetables that steam in the microwave can be real time-savers. Sometimes I'll grab a cold rotisserie chicken from the deli and pair it with some frozen veggies for a complete meal in under 5 minutes. It's not restaurant hot food, but it definitely beats cooking from scratch when you're exhausted from work!