If you currently live in Sonoma County and receive CalFresh benefits we have great news! Your CalFresh EBT Card or Golden State Advantage card can be used at select restaurants and fast food places if you meet the eligibility criteria. In this post, we will explain in detail how the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) works in Sonoma County and how you can qualify to use your EBT at these restaurants. In addition, we will provide you with a complete list of food places and restaurants that Accept EBT in Sonoma county, including in the city of Santa Rosa.
First, we are going to explain what the California Restaurant Meals program is about and which counties are participating.
Second, we will explain the requirements for the RMP and how you can use your CalFresh EBT at these restaurants.
Finally, we will provide you with a complete list of restaurants that Accept EBT in Sonoma county.
Table of Contents:
- California Restaurant Meals Program
- How to use your EBT Card at Restaurants in Sonoma county
- List of Restaurants that Accept EBT in Sonoma County
- Get Free Food in Sonoma County
California Restaurant Meals Program
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh recipients 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants.
If you fit one of the groups described above, you can use your CalFresh California EBT card at select restaurants and fast-food chains within the state.
As of September 1, 2021, the RMP has expanded to a statewide program and is managed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
Therefore, restaurant vendors who are federally approved may participate in the RMP statewide, within all 58 counties in California.
As of February 2023, the restaurant meals program is active in 37 counties in California, with the CDSS working to bring the program to all 58 counties in the near future:
California Restaurant Meals Program Requirements
To use your CalFresh Golden State Advantage EBT Card at restaurants and fast-food chains in Sonoma county, you must first meet certain requirements.
To be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program, you must:
- Currently be enrolled and receiving CalFresh benefits
- Have an active California EBT Card
- Be homeless, elderly (age 60 or older), or disabled
If you do not meet the requirements listed above, you are not eligible to use your California EBT Card at restaurants and fast food chains.
How to use your EBT Card at Restaurants in Sonoma county
Using your EBT Card to purchase hot meals at restaurants and fast food locations is easy.
Here’s what you do:
- Find a participating restaurant or fast food chain near you. Eligible locations will display the Restaurant Meals sign (pictured below).
- Purchase hot meals – breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the restaurant by using your California EBT Card at checkout.
- Follow the instructions and enter your 4-digit EBT Card PIN to complete your purchase.
- Get your receipt to see the remaining balance on your EBT Card CalFresh benefits account.
List of Restaurants that Accept EBT in Sonoma County
We have listed below the restaurants that accept CalFresh EBT in Sonoma County.
Scroll down to find a nearby restaurant that accepts CalFresh EBT.
Bubble Cups
1940 Piner Rd Ste 400
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
The CDSS plans to approve more restaurants in Sonoma county for the RMP program.
We will update this post as more restaurants are added.
Get Free Food in Sonoma County
If your household is struggling and needs additional food assistance, visiting a food pantry is one way to get more food.
Sonoma County Food Pantries
Here’s a list of food pantries in Sonoma county. Contact each pantry for eligibility requirements and operating hours.
Catholic Worker
600 Morgan Street Suite A
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-575-8342
A twice-per-week food pantry.
La Luz Center
Location of food bank:
17560 Greger Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-938-5131
Bring a box to fill to this pantry. Free food may be passed out once per week.
Redwood Empire Food Bank
100 South Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425
Call 707-523-7900
They partner with the United States Department of Agriculture to run the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP). This is for very low-income and/or poor residents in Sonoma.
Prime Time Nutrition
443 Dutton Ave., Ste.14
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707-526-7226
This is a federal government-funded program for qualified low-income participants. Aid may be offered for women, infants & children as well from WIC. A thrift store also sells quality products. Also, the pantry may have vegetables, fruits, quality baked goods, and canned & dry goods such as beans.
Universal Industrial Church – Community and Family Service Agency
Church St and First St
Guerneville
707-869-2491
This non-profit provides complete dinners for free. They may have salad, soup, and even vegetarian whole-grain meals.
Council On Aging
Meal programs for seniors 60+ and their caregivers.
(707) 525-0383
councilonaging.com
Petaluma People Services Center
Meal programs that assist seniors 60+ and their caregivers.
(707) 765-8488
petalumapeople.org
Click here and here for the full list of food pantry locations.
St. Vincent de Paul
Referrals to church-based food programs, including its free lunch site in Santa Rosa.
(707) 584-1579
svdp-sonoma.org
Restaurants that Accept EBT in Sonoma county Summary
Here’s the bottom line:
The Sonoma County Restaurant Meals program applies to those who are homeless, elderly (age 60 or older), or disabled.
If you are one of the groups above and have an active California EBT Card, you can use your CalFresh benefits to buy food at select restaurants.
This includes hot food that can be eaten on the premises.
Currently, 37 counties in California participate in the program, including Sonoma county.
Questions?
We hope this post on restaurants that accept EBT in Sonoma county was helpful.
If you have further questions about CalFresh or California EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about CalFresh and CalFresh EBT, including:
