What Restaurants Accept EBT in Georgia? A Detailed Guide
Wondering where you can use your EBT card for hot, prepared meals in Georgia?
With the state opting out of the Restaurant Meals Program, your options are limited compared to other states. However, you still have choices when dining out with SNAP benefits in Georgia.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Fast food chains and some grocery stores allow EBT for cold items. But hot, ready-to-eat meals cannot be purchased with EBT cards at restaurants in Georgia.
Background on EBT and the Restaurant Meals Program in Georgia
What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It is a system that allows state governments to issue food assistance benefits via a payment card rather than issuing paper food stamps.
EBT cards can be used to purchase food items at authorized retail food stores.
In Georgia, the EBT program is administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Eligible low-income individuals and families receive an EBT card that can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores, convenience stores, farmer’s markets, etc.
The benefits loaded onto EBT cards in Georgia can only be used to buy food items, not restaurant meals.
How the Restaurant Meals Program Works
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is an optional federal program that allows states to authorize restaurants to accept EBT cards from qualified EBT recipients.
RMP aims to improve nutrition for homeless, elderly, or disabled EBT recipients who may not have easy access to prepared meals. States that participate in RMP designate certain restaurants that meet program requirements to accept EBT cards.
When an EBT cardholder visits an authorized restaurant, they can use their EBT card to purchase a low-cost meal. The restaurant is reimbursed for the meal through the state’s EBT system.
Why Georgia Doesn’t Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program
Currently, Georgia does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program and does not allow EBT cards to be used at restaurants.
Here are some key reasons why:
- Costs – Implementing and running the Restaurant Meals Program requires administrative expenses that the state may not want to take on.
- Concerns about transparency and accountability – Allowing EBT benefits to be used at restaurants introduces concerns about tracking where benefits are spent.
- Encouraging home-cooked meals – Georgia may wish to encourage preparing food at home as a cost-saving measure.
- Limited access to qualifying restaurants – Georgia is predominantly rural, so access to approved restaurants may be limited outside of urban areas.
While Restaurant Meals Program availability is currently limited, there are efforts to expand the program. Advocates argue that allowing restaurant meals maximizes choice for EBT recipients and provides options for those unable to cook.
As of now, though, EBT cards cannot be used to purchase meals anywhere in Georgia.
What Foods You Can and Can’t Get with EBT at Georgia Restaurants
Eligible Cold Items from Restaurants and Prepared Food Outlets
Georgia EBT cardholders can purchase certain cold foods prepared at restaurants and convenience stores using SNAP benefits.
Eligible cold items include sandwiches, salads, deli foods, and cold pizzas that are ready-to-eat and sold cold. This could include foods like chicken salad sandwiches, garden salads with vegetables and dressings, cold deli subs, and refrigerated pizzas.
Essentially, any prepared or cold takeout food that is not intended to be consumed on premises can be purchased with SNAP EBT in Georgia.
In addition, EBT cards can be used to buy cold beverages like milk, juice, bottled water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Cold desserts like ice cream cones, frozen yogurt, popsicles, and ice cream bars are also eligible for EBT purchases at restaurants and convenience stores.
So, if you want a cold sub or salad for lunch, a refrigerated pizza or chicken wings for dinner, or an ice cream cone for dessert, you can use your Georgia EBT card to pay for those items.
Ineligible Hot Prepared Meals and Restaurant Foods
While cold takeout foods are EBT-eligible in Georgia, hot prepared meals and foods purchased at restaurants, delis, and food stands are generally ineligible. This includes hot sandwiches, hot entrees, soup, and any food that is heated or cooked by the retailer before purchase.
So, hot pizza slices, hot soup from the deli, grilled sandwiches, and other ready-to-eat hot foods cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
This EBT restriction is in place across the U.S., except for those states that participate in the RMP for eligible individuals, to encourage healthier eating among SNAP recipients.
In addition, restaurant meals ordered and served at sit-down establishments are ineligible for EBT purchases in Georgia. So, SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for dine-in meals, takeout meals like Chinese or fried chicken dinners, or delivery meals ordered through services like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Georgia EBT cardholders also cannot use benefits to buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco, paper products, vitamins, medicines, or pet foods at restaurants and stores.
Overall, it’s important to know which prepared foods are eligible for purchase with SNAP to maximize your EBT grocery budget.
Fast Food Restaurants That Accept EBT in Georgia
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast-food chains that accepts EBT payments in Georgia. They have over 150 locations across the state that participate in the SNAP restaurant meals program.
Customers can use their EBT cards to purchase any food items at McDonald’s, except hot to-go foods. This includes breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, salads, desserts, and more.
One great thing about McDonald’s is that they offer budget-friendly options, which is perfect for EBT budgeting.
Subway
With over 530 locations in Georgia, Subway is another go-to spot for EBT users looking for a quick, affordable meal.
Customers can use their benefits to purchase any food item that is not meant to be consumed on the restaurant’s premises. Any food item that is meant to be cooked or re-heated at home is eligible for purchase with an EBT card.
One of the best things about Subway is the freshness – all sandwiches are made to order with your choice of veggies and toppings.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a popular Mexican-inspired fast food chain that accepts EBT in Georgia. With nearly 200 locations statewide, it’s easy to find one nearby.
Customers can use their SNAP benefits to purchase any food items at Taco Bell, excluding alcohol and hot to-go foods.
Taco Bell is great for maximizing your EBT budget. Their mobile app also features exclusive deals to help you save more.
KFC
KFC is renowned for its mouth-watering fried chicken, and many of its Georgia locations take EBT payments. Any KFC restaurant allows customers to redeem SNAP benefits on food purchases, excluding hot take-out items.
For those craving chicken on a budget, KFC is a convenient go-to restaurant for EBT users.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s old-fashioned hamburgers and chicken sandwiches may be EBT-eligible purchases if they are not meant to be consumed at the restaurant. There are over 285 Wendy’s statewide that accept SNAP benefits for any cold or unprepared foods.
Wendy’s offers many affordable food items to choose from, perfect for the budget-conscious consumer. They also have an in-app rewards program where you can earn free food with qualifying purchases.
Grocery Stores Accepting EBT for Eligible Foods
Publix
Publix is one of the most popular grocery store chains in Georgia that accepts EBT payments. They allow SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards to purchase any food items except hot deli foods.
Many low-income families love shopping at Publix due to their quality products, excellent customer service, and weekly BOGO deals.
With over 200 locations across Georgia, Publix makes it convenient for EBT users to shop for nutritious food items.
Kroger
Kroger is another grocery store chain that accepts EBT in all their Georgia locations. They offer a great selection of affordable fresh produce, bread, dairy, meats, and pantry staples.
An added perk is that Kroger also accepts EBT online for grocery pickup or delivery orders. This allows EBT recipients who lack transportation to still access wholesome foods easily.
According to Kroger’s website, EBT users can even use their benefits to buy eligible foods at Kroger’s fuel centers in Georgia.
Walmart
Walmart is a go-to grocery destination for EBT users, with over 150 locations accepting EBT payments in Georgia. They offer an immense selection of foods at low prices, making Walmart a cost-effective option.
Almost all food items in their grocery sections are EBT-eligible, except hot foods and prepared deli meals.
An extra convenience is that Walmart allows customers to use EBT benefits for online grocery pickup orders in Georgia. This gives EBT households flexibility in shopping for necessities.
Aldi
Aldi is growing in popularity among EBT recipients, with 70+ locations currently accepting EBT in Georgia. They provide affordable prices on pantry staples, fresh produce, dairy items, baked goods, and more.
Aldi accepts EBT for grocery delivery orders in select regions of Georgia as well.
The ALDI Finds section offers amazing weekly deals on special buys. An EBT user shared, “I can stretch my benefits further at Aldi while still getting nutrient-dense foods for my family.”
Piggly Wiggly
Piggly Wiggly is a regional grocery chain with over 60 stores in Georgia accepting EBT payments. This local favorite provides an excellent selection of meat and produce, along with everyday essentials.
Many Piggly Wiggly locations also feature full-service butcher counters, which can be purchased with EBT benefits.
According to their website, delivery and curbside pickup are available at select Piggly Wiggly stores for EBT orders. This offers added convenience for EBT households in those areas.
Food Depot
Food Depot is a smaller Georgia-based grocery chain catering to low-income shoppers across the state. They accept EBT cards at all 19 store locations and aim to provide discounted prices on staple foods.
While selection is more limited compared to larger chains, Food Depot offers an affordable grocery option for EBT users in rural Georgia. They provide everyday necessities like bread, milk, fresh produce, canned goods, and more at reasonable costs.
For households on tight budgets, Food Depot helps SNAP benefits go further.
Other Retailers Accepting EBT
Convenience Stores/Gas Stations
Many convenience stores and gas stations in Georgia accept EBT cards.
Popular chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Murphy USA, RaceTrac, QuickTrip, and others allow EBT cardholders to purchase eligible food items like milk, bread, snacks, and more. Some may have restrictions on prepared hot foods.
Just look for the EBT acceptance logo at checkout or ask the cashier.
Dollar General
Dollar General accepts EBT payments at over 17,000 locations nationwide, including hundreds across Georgia.
Cardholders can purchase bread, milk, produce, meat, snacks, and other groceries. This discount retailer offers tremendous value for EBT users looking to stretch their benefits further.
CVS
Many CVS locations accept EBT for eligible food purchases in Georgia. This includes basics like milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, pasta, juice, baby food, and more.
EBT cannot be used to purchase medicine, cosmetics, household items, alcohol, or tobacco at CVS. Check in the food/grocery section for EBT-eligible options.
Walgreens
Similar to CVS, Walgreens allows EBT cardholders to buy food items using their benefits.
Groceries like bread, fruit, yogurt, snacks, cereal, baby formula and more are eligible. Just look for the “We accept SNAP EBT” signage in the store.
Farmer’s Markets
Many local farmer’s markets and farm stands across Georgia accept EBT payments. This is great news for cardholders looking for fresh, local produce.
The state has over 100 farmers’ markets that participate in a program called Market Fresh that matches SNAP dollars spent on produce.
Buying local produce is a nutritious way for EBT users to support Georgia farms.
Conclusion
In summary, Georgia EBT cardholders have options for purchasing bread, produce, cold sandwiches, and snacks from restaurants and various food retailers.
But without the Restaurant Meals Program in Georgia, hot prepared foods cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
Looking for ways to stretch your food budget and eat healthy in Georgia? With a little planning, you can use your EBT card at various outlets offering decent food item choices.
