Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT in Rhode Island

Are you searching for restaurants that accept EBT in Rhode Island? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide offers a detailed list of eateries where SNAP beneficiaries can enjoy delicious meals using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

In Rhode Island, a diverse range of dining options, from Providence’s bustling seafood joints to quaint cafes in Newport, are now accessible to EBT cardholders.

This initiative not only enhances food accessibility for individuals and families on a budget but also supports the local culinary scene.

Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a sit-down meal, our guide to EBT-friendly restaurants in Rhode Island is your go-to resource for dining out without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

What Can Be Purchased with EBT in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, as in other states, the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which is used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can be used to purchase a variety of food items.

However, there are specific guidelines on what can and cannot be bought with EBT funds.

Here is a list of items that can and cannot be bought with EBT in Rhode Island:

Eligible Items for Purchase with EBT in Rhode Island:

Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish: Including fresh, frozen, and canned options.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items.
Bread and Cereals: Various types of bread, cereals, and grain products.
Snack Foods and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Chips, sodas, and other snack items.
Seeds and Plants: Those that produce food for the household to eat.

Non-Eligible Items for Purchase with EBT in Rhode Island:

Alcohol and Tobacco: These cannot be purchased with EBT funds.
Hot Prepared Foods: Items that are hot at the point of sale are typically not eligible.
Non-Food Items: This includes pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
Vitamins and Medicines: Any item with a Supplement Facts label is considered a supplement and is not eligible.
Food that will be eaten in the store: Food items that are meant to be consumed on the premises.

Special Considerations in Rhode Island:

Restaurant Meals Program: Some states have a Restaurant Meals Program as part of SNAP, which allows certain groups of people (like the elderly, disabled, and homeless) to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants. You would need to check if Rhode Island participates in this program and the specific guidelines it follows.
Farmers’ Markets: EBT cards can often be used at farmers’ markets, which is a great way to purchase fresh, local produce.

Can You Use EBT at Fast Food Restaurants in Rhode Island?

Yes, you can use EBT at fast food restaurants in Rhode Island. This is made possible through the state’s participation in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), a component of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) designed to help certain groups of SNAP recipients.

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Rhode Island allows eligible EBT cardholders to purchase hot, prepared meals from participating fast food chains and restaurants.

However, not all EBT cardholders are eligible for this program. This program is available to EBT cardholders who meet specific eligibility criteria, including being elderly, disabled, or homeless.

For those who qualify, the RMP expands the options for using SNAP benefits beyond traditional grocery shopping, allowing for the purchase of prepared meals at approved fast food restaurants.

This is particularly beneficial for those who may not have the means to store or cook food.

Eligibility Criteria for Rhode Island Restaurant Meals Program

The eligibility criteria for the Rhode Island Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is:

Elderly: Individuals who are 60 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the RMP.
Disabled: The program is available to individuals who are receiving disability-related benefits. This includes those receiving Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, Annuities, or other disability payments.
Homeless: Individuals who do not have a fixed or regular nighttime residence are eligible for the RMP.

List of Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT in Rhode Island

Here is a list of restaurants that take EBT in Rhode Island through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP):

City or County	Fast Food Restaurant Name	Address	Conct. No.
Providence	Subway	719 Westminster Street	(401) 453-1970
	Subway	583 Elmwood Avenue	(401) 781-3009
	Subway	579 Atwells Avenue	(401) 521-4782
	Subway	2 Kennedy Plaza	(401) 272-4782
	Federal Hill Pizza	1039 Chalkstone Avenue	(401) 331-3310
Cranston	Subway	962 Cranston Street	(401) 275-5514
Pawtucket	Subway	614 Pawtucket Avenue	(401) 727-8000
Woonsocket	Subway	483 Clinton Street	(401) 765-6655
Central Falls	Subway	310 Broad Street	(401) 726-7827
Westerly	Subway (Inside Walmart)	258 Post Road	(401) 322-1500

How to Use EBT at a Restaurant in Rhode Island?

Using EBT at restaurants that accept EBT in RI, particularly under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), involves a few straightforward steps.

Here are the steps to pay by EBT at a restaurant in Rhode Island:

Verify Your Eligibility: First, ensure that you are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program. In Rhode Island, this program is typically available to SNAP recipients who are elderly (60 years and older), disabled, or homeless.
Locate Participating Restaurants: Find restaurants that participate in the Rhode Island RMP. These can include certain fast food chains and local eateries. They usually display a sign indicating they accept EBT, or you can check a list provided by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
Order Your Meal: Once at the restaurant, order your meal as you normally would. The RMP is designed to allow you to purchase hot, prepared meals.
Pay with Your EBT Card: When it’s time to pay, use your EBT card just like a debit card. Inform the cashier that you will be paying with an EBT card.
Enter Your PIN: You will be required to enter your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the transaction.
Check Your Receipt: After the transaction, you will receive a receipt. This receipt will typically show the amount deducted and the remaining balance on your EBT card.

Conclusion:-

In Rhode Island, eligible EBT cardholders, including the elderly, disabled, and homeless, can use their benefits at participating restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program. This program allows for the purchase of hot, prepared meals at approved fast-food restaurants and local eateries.

To use EBT at these restaurants, eligible individuals must first verify their eligibility, locate participating restaurants, order their meal, and then pay using their EBT card, similar to a debit card transaction. This initiative not only provides greater food accessibility to those on a budget but also supports the local culinary scene, offering a diverse range of dining options across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Restaurants Accept EBT in Rhode Island?

There are only 10 restaurants in Rhode Island that accept EBT, including several Subway locations and Federal Hill Pizza.

What Can I Buy with EBT in Rhode Island?

You can buy the following items with EBT in Rhode Island:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food

Can I Use My Rhode Island EBT Card in Another State?

Yes, you can use your Rhode Island EBT card in other states at any SNAP-authorized retailer, but program specifics like the Restaurant Meals Program may vary by state.