(Last updated on 9/10/21)
If you currently live in the state of California and receive CalFresh benefits, we have great news! There are restaurants that take EBT in California. 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 and how you can qualify to use your EBT at these restaurants.
In addition, we will provide you a complete list of fast food places and restaurants that accept CalFresh EBT for 2021.
However, 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 a complete list of restaurants that take EBT in California, broken down by county.
All you need to do is scroll down and find the county where you live or a nearby county that has the meals program.
Alert: CalFresh Benefits to Increase by 25% – Learn More
This post will cover:
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is the name for the California Food Stamps program. It is also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
The SNAP program is a federal nutrition program that helps people with low income buy healthy food.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets and co-op food programs.
The CalFresh program is a nutrition program. It is not a welfare cash assistance program (which is called TANF).
Also, you do not have to be receiving TANF to get CalFresh.
Furthermore, CalFresh is a federal entitlement program. This means anyone who is eligible will receive benefits. You will not be taking away benefits from someone else if you apply.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees SNAP at the federal level.
In California, the program is managed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
If approved for CalFresh, you can get up to $204 a month per household member on an EBT card.
To apply for CalFresh, see our post on How to Apply for California SNAP Benefits.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh recipients who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants in certain counties.
If you fit one of the groups described above, you can use your CalFresh California EBT card at select restaurants and fast-food chains throughout the state.
Currently, the restaurant meals program is active in the following counties:
To use your Golden State Advantage EBT Card at restaurants and fast-food chains in Los Angeles, you must first meet certain requirements.
To be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program, you must:
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.
Using your EBT Card to purchase hot meals at restaurants and fast food locations is easy.
Here’s what you do:
We have listed below the restaurants that take EBT in California by County.
Scroll down to find your county or a nearby county and see the restaurants in that county that accept EBT.
Here are the restaurants that accept CalFresh EBT in Alameda County:
Carl’s Jr.
871 Marina Village Pkwy. Alameda, CA 94501
Carl’s Jr.
3770 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94690
Pizza Hut
2617 Decoto Rd. Union City, CA 94587
El Torero Taqueria
5801 International Blvd. Oakland CA 94621
Jamba Juice
3962 Mowry Ave. Fremont CA 94538
Here are the restaurants that accept CalFresh EBT in the county of Los Angeles.
For a more detailed list, including addresses and phone numbers, see our post on Restaurants that accept CalFresh in LA County.
Note: Before you visit a particular restaurant below, call that location to make sure they participate in the Restaurant Meals Progam (RMP).
That is because not all locations of a particular chain of restaurants may be participating in the RMP.
Here are the restaurants that accept CalFresh EBT in Orange County.
For a more detailed list, including addresses and phone numbers, see our post on Restaurants that accept CalFresh in Orange County.
Note: Before you visit a particular restaurant below, call that location to make sure they participate in the Restaurant Meals Progam (RMP).
That is because not all locations of a particular chain of restaurants may be participating in the RMP.
Here are the restaurants that accept CalFresh EBT in Orange County.
For a more detailed list, including addresses and phone numbers, see our post on Restaurants that accept CalFresh in Riverside County.
Note: Before you visit a particular restaurant below, call that location to make sure they participate in the Restaurant Meals Progam (RMP).
That is because not all locations of a particular chain of restaurants may be participating in the RMP.
Here’s the bottom line:
The California 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 at the premises.
Currently, 15 counties in California participate in the program, including Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside county.
For details about the Discounts that come with the California EBT Card, click here: CA EBT Discount Guide.
If you have further questions about California SNAP or EBT Card, please let us know by filling out the comment form below and we will answer your question ASAP.
Be sure to check out our other articles about CalFresh and CalFresh EBT, including:
How to Apply for California P-EBT
California P-EBT Extension for 2020/2021
CalFresh for San Diego County
How much will I get in CalFresh in 2021?
How to Complete CalFresh SAR 7 Form
Get Printable CalFresh SAR 7 Form
$3,000 Stimulus Child Tax Credit for Families
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