HOUSTON – A local viewer reached out and asked if those with SNAP benefits could purchase prepared meals, including food from places like McDonald’s, grocery store delis, or convenience stores.
The question comes as some people are reportedly seeing signs at certain restaurants suggesting EBT may be accepted, raising confusion about what’s actually allowed.
The short answer
While some states do allow SNAP recipients to use benefits at restaurants, Texas is not one of them.
Why some people can use EBT at restaurants
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is federally funded but administered by states, meaning certain rules can vary.
Some states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows eligible individuals, including older adults, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness, to use their EBT cards at approved restaurants.
In those states, select fast food chains and local restaurants may accept SNAP benefits for hot, ready-to-eat meals.
What’s allowed in Texas
Texas does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.
That means SNAP benefits, issued through the Lone Star Card, cannot be used at fast food restaurants like McDonald’s or for hot, prepared foods.
This restriction also applies to:
Hot foods at grocery store delis
Ready-to-eat meals at convenience stores or gas stations
Instead, benefits can only be used for eligible grocery items, such as:
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry and fish
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Why someone might think otherwise
There are a few reasons for the confusion:
Out-of-state rules: Someone who previously lived in a state that allows restaurant purchases may assume the same applies in Texas
Misleading signage: Some locations may display EBT signs, but those typically apply only to approved grocery items, not hot meals
Temporary exceptions: During disasters, Texas may receive federal approval to allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods for a limited time
So while you might see signs or hear otherwise, Texans generally cannot use SNAP benefits to buy fast food or other prepared meals for immediate consumption.
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