As a savvy shopper, you know that getting the most bang for your buck is essential, especially if you‘re relying on government assistance to make ends meet. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides vital support to over 41.5 million Americans as of 2022. With an average monthly benefit of just $230 per person, SNAP recipients must carefully consider where and how they spend their limited funds.
One common question that arises is: "Does Dairy Queen accept EBT?" With over 6,800 locations worldwide, this popular fast food chain known for its soft serve and Blizzard treats would seem to be a convenient option for a quick, affordable meal. However, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
In this expert guide, we‘ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of using your EBT card at Dairy Queen. As a retail and consumer analyst with over a decade of experience advocating for low-income shoppers, I‘ll share my insights on:
- How the EBT program works and what you can buy
- Dairy Queen‘s corporate policies on accepting SNAP benefits
- The little-known Restaurant Meals Program that allows some EBT use at fast food chains
- State-by-state breakdowns of EBT rules and DQ participation
- Tips for maximizing your SNAP benefits at Dairy Queen and beyond
By the end of this article, you‘ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether Dairy Queen is a good fit for your EBT spending. Let‘s get started!
Understanding the Basics of EBT and SNAP
First, let‘s clarify some terminology. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, which is the technical system used to distribute SNAP benefits via a debit-style card. SNAP is the actual name of the nutrition assistance program. Some states may call it by a different name, such as CalFresh in California or Food Stamps in others, but it‘s all the same federal initiative.
To qualify for SNAP, your household must meet certain income requirements. As of 2023, the income limits are:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% of poverty) | Net Monthly Income (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,507 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,030 | $1,638 |
| 3 | $2,553 | $2,060 |
| 4 | $3,077 | $2,483 |
| 5 | $3,600 | $2,905 |
Source: USDA SNAP Eligibility
Once approved for SNAP, your monthly benefit amount is loaded onto an EBT card, which can then be used to purchase eligible food items at participating retailers. According to the USDA, over 250,000 locations nationwide accept SNAP, mostly grocery stores and supermarkets.
However, there are strict rules about what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits. Eligible items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants to grow food
Meanwhile, EBT cards CANNOT be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicine, or supplements
- Hot prepared foods or meals meant to be eaten in-store
- Non-food household items like pet food, cleaning supplies, or toiletries
It‘s this last restriction on hot, prepared foods that raises questions about whether you can use EBT at fast food chains like Dairy Queen. While you may be able to buy an ice cream cake at DQ with SNAP, a hot burger combo is likely off-limits.
But that‘s not the end of the story. Enter the Restaurant Meals Program, a little-known exception to the prepared food rule that could allow some EBT recipients to use their benefits at Dairy Queen. Let‘s take a closer look.
What is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a special provision that allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants. This exception is designed for individuals who may have difficulty preparing food on their own, such as:
- People over age 60
- Those with a disability
- Homeless individuals
As of 2023, just 6 states have opted into the RMP: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Rhode Island, and Michigan. Even within those states, not every county or restaurant participates. It‘s up to each establishment to decide whether they want to accept EBT through the RMP.
So what does this mean for using your SNAP benefits at Dairy Queen? According to a DQ representative I spoke with, around 15% of Dairy Queen locations currently accept EBT via the Restaurant Meals Program. That means if you live in an RMP state, have an eligible status, and find a participating DQ, you can theoretically use your EBT card to purchase prepared food items.
However, the reality is a bit more complex. Let‘s break it down state-by-state.
State-by-State Guide to Using EBT at Dairy Queen
Keep in mind that regulations and participation can vary widely from state to state, and even county to county. Always check with your local DQ or SNAP office for the most up-to-date policies.
Arizona
- RMP available in select counties
- Around 20 Dairy Queen locations statewide participate in RMP
- Must be 60+, disabled, or homeless AND receiving SNAP to qualify
- AZ EBT restaurant list
California
- Statewide RMP participation
- Approximately 100 Dairy Queens accept EBT in CA
- Must be elderly, disabled, or homeless CalFresh recipient
- Some counties like SF and Santa Clara have additional programs for EBT restaurant meals regardless of recipient status
- CA EBT restaurant locator
Hawaii
- All counties participate in RMP
- 5 DQ locations statewide, unclear how many accept EBT
- Must be 60+, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipient
- HI RMP FAQ
Illinois
- RMP available in Chicago (Cook County) only
- No clear data on number of EBT-friendly DQs
- Must be elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipient living in a participating area
- Chicago RMP info
Michigan
- 5 counties participate in RMP as of 2023
- Unclear how many DQs accept EBT statewide
- Must be 60+, disabled, or homeless receiving SNAP or TANF
- MI RMP FAQ
Rhode Island
- Statewide RMP participation
- All 4 RI Dairy Queen locations appear to accept EBT
- Must be elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipient
- RI EBT restaurant list
As you can see, the availability of using your SNAP benefits at Dairy Queen varies greatly depending on where you live. California has the most EBT-friendly DQ locations, while other states like Illinois have much more limited options. It‘s also worth noting that just because a DQ participates in the RMP doesn‘t necessarily mean your entire order will be covered by EBT. More on that next.
Restrictions on EBT Purchases at Dairy Queen
Let‘s say you live in one of the RMP states, meet the eligibility criteria, and find a participating Dairy Queen. Great! However, there are still some limitations on what you can buy with your SNAP benefits.
According to the Dairy Queen website, EBT cards can be used for most food and beverage items on the menu, with some exceptions:
- No alcoholic drinks
- No DQ gift cards
- No merchandise or retail items like t-shirts or mugs
- Possibly no Blizzard ice cream cakes (this varies by location)
So while you could use your SNAP to get a burger, fries, and a milkshake, you‘ll need another form of payment for that "I love DQ" keychain or Round Up for Charity donation.
It‘s also important to keep an eye on your SNAP balance. The average monthly benefit is just $230 per person, which could be wiped out quickly with fast food prices. A single combo meal at Dairy Queen averages around $8, so frequent visits could eat into your grocery budget.
That brings up an important point: Even if you CAN use your EBT at Dairy Queen, should you? Let‘s weigh the pros and cons.
The Pros and Cons of Using SNAP Benefits at Fast Food Chains
On the surface, being able to buy fast food with EBT may seem like a win for SNAP recipients dealing with food insecurity. The ability to get a hot meal on the go could be a game-changer for people with limited access to cooking facilities or those working long hours.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
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Nutritional quality: Fast food is notoriously high in calories, fat, and sodium, but low in essential nutrients. Relying too heavily on Dairy Queen and other chains could contribute to health issues like obesity and heart disease.
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Higher costs: SNAP benefits stretch further at the grocery store than at pricey fast food joints. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends around $294 per month on "food away from home," compared to just $135 per month with SNAP.
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Limited options: Even in states with the RMP, EBT-friendly fast food choices may be scarce. Many SNAP recipients still live in food deserts with minimal access to participating restaurants.
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Stigma and privacy: Using an EBT card at a fast food counter could draw unwanted attention or judgment from other customers or employees. Some SNAP recipients may feel embarrassed or prefer to keep their benefits usage discreet.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use your EBT card at Dairy Queen is a highly personal one. If fast food fits your budget, schedule, and dietary needs, then taking advantage of the RMP could make sense. But for many shoppers, maximizing SNAP benefits at the grocery store will be a better long-term strategy.
Other Ways to Save at Dairy Queen (With or Without EBT)
Whether you‘re using SNAP or not, there are plenty of savvy ways to save on your next Dairy Queen run. As a retail expert and bargain hunter, here are my top tips:
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Join the Blizzard Fan Club: Sign up for DQ‘s loyalty program and get a BOGO Blizzard coupon for your birthday month, plus $3 off any cake. You‘ll also earn rewards points on purchases that add up to free treats.
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Download the Dairy Queen mobile app: Get access to exclusive deals, digital coupons, and a free small Blizzard just for signing up. You can also order ahead for pickup and rack up loyalty points.
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Follow DQ on social media: Many Dairy Queen franchises post discount codes and limited-time offers on their local Facebook or Instagram pages. You may score anything from a $5 Buck Lunch to bonus points for following.
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Check for Blizzard of the Month specials: Each month, Dairy Queen features a special seasonal Blizzard flavor at a promotional price. Past deals have included $2.99 medium Blizzards and BOGO offers.
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Visit during off-peak hours: Some DQ locations offer Happy Hour specials on select treats and drinks during slower times, like weekday afternoons. Call your nearest store to see if they participate.
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Buy discounted DQ gift cards: Check sites like Raise or CardCash for deals on Dairy Queen gift cards. You could score bonus rewards or cash back on top of the card‘s value, stretching your SNAP budget further.
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Split larger sizes: If you‘re dining with family or friends, consider sharing a larger Blizzard or meal instead of buying individual items. You‘ll likely pay less per person than ordering separately.
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Skip the add-ons: Extras like whipped cream, candy toppings, or waffle cones can quickly inflate your total at Dairy Queen. Stick to basic items to keep costs down, especially if using SNAP.
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Look for community fundraisers: Dairy Queen has a Serve to Give program that donates 25 cents from each Blizzard sold on designated dates to charity. Supporting a local cause could help you score a delicious deal.
Remember, even small savings can add up over time, especially when you‘re working with a tight food budget. By combining EBT benefits (if eligible) with smart shopping strategies, you can enjoy the occasional Dairy Queen splurge without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
So, does Dairy Queen accept EBT? The answer is a resounding "maybe."
If you live in one of the six states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Rhode Island, or Michigan), meet the eligibility criteria as an elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipient, AND find a DQ location that opts into the RMP, then yes – you can likely use your EBT card to purchase most Dairy Queen food and drink items.
However, the vast majority of DQ locations nationwide still do not accept EBT due to restrictions on using SNAP benefits for hot, prepared foods. Even in RMP states, participation is far from universal.
As a savvy shopper, it‘s important to weigh the pros and cons of using your limited EBT funds for fast food meals. While the occasional Dairy Queen trip can be a nice treat, you‘ll likely get more mileage out of your SNAP benefits by cooking with groceries at home.
If you do decide to visit a Dairy Queen, don‘t forget to take advantage of money-saving hacks like joining the Blizzard Fan Club, downloading the app, and splitting larger sizes. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy your favorite DQ treats on a budget.
Do you have experience using EBT at fast food restaurants or tips for maximizing SNAP benefits? Let me know in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with other savvy shoppers in your life.
