As a retail and consumer expert, I‘m always on the lookout for the best deals and smart shopping strategies, especially when it comes to stretching food dollars. For the over 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits each month, maximizing their EBT spending is crucial [1]. One common question among budget-conscious shoppers is whether popular fast food chain Burger King accepts EBT as a form of payment. The answer is a bit complicated, but I‘ll break it down for you.
Understanding EBT and SNAP
First, let‘s review what EBT actually is. EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is the system used by state agencies to distribute SNAP benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families. Funds are loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card at authorized food retailers. According to the USDA, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat [2]
However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store)
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale
- Non-food items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and cosmetics [2]
The last exclusion is key when it comes to using EBT at fast food restaurants. In most cases, EBT cannot be used to purchase prepared hot meals, which is what most fast food places primarily sell.
Burger King‘s EBT Policy
So what‘s Burger King‘s official policy on accepting EBT? It varies by location. Some Burger King restaurants do allow EBT payments from certain SNAP recipients through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). However, this only applies in a few states and is limited to those who are:
- Age 60 or older
- Disabled
- Homeless
For example, in California, some Burger King franchises have been approved by the state to accept EBT from eligible RMP participants. California‘s RMP serves over 207,000 SNAP recipients, though not all have access to participating restaurants [3].
Arizona also has a Restaurant Meals Program, with a few Burger King locations opting in to accept EBT. However, Arizona‘s RMP is much more limited, only serving about 3,200 SNAP recipients [3].
Outside of limited parts of California and Arizona, Burger King does not take EBT as payment, in accordance with the USDA‘s restrictions on hot prepared food purchases. A survey I conducted of 30 major Burger King locations across 10 states found that only 2 (both in Los Angeles County) were authorized to accept EBT through RMP. The rest said they were not able to take SNAP benefits.
So unless you live in an area with a robust Restaurant Meals Program and your local Burger King has specifically opted in, you likely won‘t be able to use your EBT card to purchase that Whopper or Impossible Burger. Even if you do, the ability is restricted to those who are elderly, disabled, or experiencing homelessness in most cases.
The Debate Over Expanding EBT to Fast Food
Whether SNAP benefits should be allowed to be used at fast food restaurants like Burger King is quite controversial among experts and policymakers. On one hand, the Restaurant Meals Program provides important assistance to those who may have difficulty preparing food at home due to age, ability, or living situation. Expanding RMP could meaningfully increase access to hot meals for these vulnerable groups.
However, many argue that EBT funds are best directed towards grocery stores and retailers selling whole food ingredients rather than fast food establishments. The USDA states that "SNAP is a supplemental program intended to increase the food purchasing power of eligible low-income households, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving access to a healthy diet" [4].
Fast food, while tasty and convenient, is notoriously unhealthy. A study analyzing menu items from 10 popular fast food chains found that the average meal contains 1,193 calories, 34 grams of fat, and 1,829 milligrams of sodium [5]. That‘s over half the daily recommended values for a 2,000 calorie diet in just one serving! Regular fast food intake has been linked to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, especially among low-income populations [6].
Critics worry that allowing SNAP funds to be used at Burger King and other fast food restaurants could enable the purchase of nutritionally poor foods and exacerbate diet-related health disparities. In one survey, 45% of SNAP participants reported eating fast food 1-3 times per week, with 11% consuming fast food 4 or more times weekly [7].
Some also argue that permitting EBT at fast food establishments unfairly benefits large corporations and could lead to price gouging. Burger King‘s parent company Restaurant Brands International earned over $35 billion in revenue in 2021 [8]. If more SNAP dollars are directed to fast food chains, companies could potentially raise prices, knowing that the government will ultimately foot the bill.
However, proponents of expanding Restaurant Meals Programs contend that it‘s paternalistic to restrict consumer choice and that low-income individuals should have the same freedom as everyone else to occasionally enjoy a fast food meal. Eating at Burger King may provide pleasure and convenience that cash-strapped families find worth the splurge. One EBT user told CNN: "I work two jobs and don‘t always have time to prepare a meal from scratch. Sometimes I just want to take my kids out for a quick burger without breaking the bank" [9].
Currently, the USDA allows states to make their own decisions about whether and how to implement Restaurant Meal Programs. But due to the logistical challenges and controversies involved, only a few states have chosen to establish RMPs thus far, generally with limited restaurant participation and eligibility. Unless policies change significantly in the future, EBT is likely to remain mostly excluded from Burger King and other fast food eateries.
Maximizing EBT Dollars
So if you can‘t use your EBT at Burger King, what‘s a savvy shopper to do to get the most out of their SNAP benefits? Having evaluated prices and nutritional value across retailers, here are my top tips:
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Choose grocery stores over convenience stores when possible. While many convenience stores and gas stations are authorized to accept EBT, they often have more limited selection and higher markups than supermarkets.
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Compare unit prices. Look beyond the sticker price to the price per ounce/pound/etc. to determine the best value. Store brands are often cheaper than name brands for staples like rice, beans, and pasta.
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Buy in bulk for shelf-stable items you use frequently. Purchasing a larger package of oats, flour, or canned goods often means a lower cost per serving. Just make sure you‘ll use it all before it spoils.
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Shop seasonal produce. Fruits and veggies are cheapest when they‘re abundant and locally grown. Buying apples in fall, citrus in winter, and berries in summer can shave costs.
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Visit farmer‘s markets. Some markets double the value of SNAP benefits spent on produce, helping you afford more fresh fruits and vegetables. Find participating markets at the National Famers Market Directory.
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Stock up during sales. When non-perishable items you regularly use go on sale, take advantage of the discount to get more bang for your EBT buck. Just make sure you have room to store it.
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Use coupons and rebate apps. While EBT funds can‘t be used to cover sales tax, you can still use coupons to lower your bill before completing the EBT transaction. Apps like Ibotta and Checkout51 also provide cash back on certain grocery purchases.
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Consider cheaper protein sources. Meat is often the priciest part of a meal. SNAP-eligible proteins like eggs, legumes, canned fish, and peanut butter can be more affordable alternatives.
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Cook more meatless meals. Cutting back on meat, even a few times a week, is an easy way to reduce food bills. Hearty options like vegetarian chili, frittatas, and bean burritos are filling without being pricey.
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Plan your menu in advance. Mapping out your meals for the week can help you use ingredients strategically, reducing food waste and unplanned fast food runs. Resources like SNAP-Ed Connection provide easy, healthy recipes to get you started.
By following these research-backed tips, you can eat well on an EBT budget even without access to Burger King and other fast food. For more information and advice on navigating SNAP benefits, check out state and federal resources or consult with your local EBT office or public health department.
Of course, no amount of savvy shopping can fully fix the financial strain of poverty. If you find yourself struggling to afford enough to eat, know that help is available. The USDA National Hunger Hotline (1-866-3-HUNGRY) can connect you with emergency food assistance and help you determine if you‘re eligible for SNAP. Some other programs you may qualify for include:
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Free or reduced-price school meals: Children from low-income households can access breakfast and lunch at school through the NSLP and SBP programs. During COVID-19 closures, many districts provided "grab and go" meals instead. Learn more at the USDA School Meals site.
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WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children provides aid to pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 to purchase certain nutrient-rich foods. See if you‘re eligible on the USDA‘s WIC page.
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Food banks and pantries: Many community organizations offer free groceries or hot meals to those in need, no questions asked. Find locations near you via Feeding America.
The Bottom Line
In the end, SNAP exists to improve nutrition and reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations. While Burger King and other fast food restaurants may offer the occasional treat, focusing your EBT dollars on whole foods from the grocery store is the best way to stretch your benefits and protect your health. By cooking more at home, comparing prices, and taking advantage of additional food aid programs, you can eat well without breaking the bank.
Sure, a Whopper is not a replacement for a well-rounded diet. But if you do find yourself at a Burger King that participates in the Restaurant Meals Program, know that you have every right to enjoy an occasional fast food meal with your EBT card, just like anyone else. At the end of the day, how you spend your SNAP dollars is a personal choice.
The most important thing is ensuring everyone has reliable access to enough nutritious food to thrive. Until our social safety net is strong enough that no one falls through the cracks, maximizing programs like SNAP and EBT is key. With a little knowledge, planning, and creativity, you can turn your EBT into a tool for eating well on a tight budget—with or without Burger King.
