If you‘re among the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to help put food on the table, you know how crucial it is to stretch those funds as far as possible. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides low-income households with an average monthly benefit of $121 per person to spend on groceries. But what about when you need a quick, affordable meal on the go? Can you use your EBT card at popular fast food chains like Subway?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. While Subway does accept EBT payments at some locations, it depends on a few key factors. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about using your SNAP benefits at Subway, from the Restaurant Meals Program to menu hacks for maximizing nutrition and value. Plus, we‘ll explore the broader context of fast food accessibility for low-income communities and the ongoing debate over expanding restaurant EBT acceptance.
How SNAP and EBT Work
First, let‘s review the basics of the SNAP program. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and other factors like citizenship status and available assets. In general, households must have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line to qualify. For a family of three, that equates to an annual pre-tax income of $28,550 or less as of 2021.
If approved for SNAP, recipients receive their benefits loaded onto an EBT card each month. These funds can be spent on a wide range of food items intended for home preparation and consumption, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods
- Seeds and plants for growing food
However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Hot prepared meals (in most cases)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
This restriction on hot, ready-to-eat foods is what traditionally prevented SNAP recipients from using their EBT cards at restaurants and fast food locations. But in 1978, California launched a groundbreaking pilot program to allow certain groups exemptions from this rule. It opened the door for what would become the Restaurant Meals Program.
The Restaurant Meals Program Explained
Recognizing that elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients may face unique barriers to preparing meals at home, the federal government authorized states to create optional Restaurant Meals Programs (RMP). These initiatives allow approved SNAP participants to spend their benefits on low-cost prepared meals at participating restaurants.
However, the decision to launch an RMP is up to each state. As of 2021, only six states have active RMPs:
| State | Year Launched | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 2018 | Statewide |
| California | 1978 | Select counties |
| Hawaii | 2022 | Select counties |
| Illinois | 2021 | Pilot program |
| Maryland | 2022 | Statewide |
| Rhode Island | 2011 | Select counties |
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Even in states with an RMP, not every SNAP recipient can use their EBT card at restaurants. RMP eligibility is limited to people who are:
- Elderly (aged 60+)
- Disabled
- Homeless
- Spouse of an eligible recipient
Participating restaurants must sign agreements with their state SNAP agency and follow strict guidelines around which items can be purchased with EBT. They are also required to offer meals at "concessional prices." Approved locations typically display EBT signage in their windows or at the point of sale.
Subway‘s EBT Policies
So where does Subway fit into this landscape? As one of the world‘s largest fast food chains with over 40,000 locations, Subway has a major presence in the quick-serve restaurant market. The company is known for touting its healthier menu options and "Eat Fresh" slogan. But does this apparent commitment to nutrition and accessibility extend to low-income customers relying on SNAP?
The short answer is yes, but on a limited basis. Subway does accept EBT payments at select locations in states with active Restaurant Meals Programs. However, since Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated as franchises, participation in RMP is determined on a store-by-store basis. Not every Subway in an RMP state is required to get on board.
To further complicate matters, the exact Subway locations that have opted into EBT acceptance can be hard to pinpoint. While some states like California maintain public databases of RMP vendors, others do not.
Our team contacted Subway franchises in RMP states to try to identify some confirmed EBT-friendly locations. Here‘s what we found:
| State | City | Subway Location | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Phoenix | Desert Ridge Marketplace | 21001 N Tatum Blvd |
| California | Los Angeles | Crenshaw | 3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd |
| Maryland | Baltimore | Lexington Market | 110 W Lexington St |
| Rhode Island | Providence | Downtown | 200 Weybosset St |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change. Check with your local Subway to verify EBT acceptance policies.
Even at Subway restaurants that have joined the RMP, SNAP recipients can only use their EBT cards on eligible menu items. While the specifics may vary by state, this generally includes:
- Hot and cold submarine sandwiches
- Salads
- Sides like chips and cookies
- Fountain drinks
Items that do not qualify for EBT payment may include:
- "Extras" like double meat or guacamole
- Bottled beverages
- Gift cards
- Catering orders
It‘s important to clarify your Subway location‘s EBT guidelines before placing an order to avoid confusion at the register.
Making the Most of Your SNAP Benefits
Restaurant Meals Programs undoubtedly increase food access and choice for elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients. In a 2019 survey of RMP-eligible individuals in California, 83% of respondents said they used the program to purchase hot meals an average of 5 times per week.
However, many nutrition advocates argue that promoting fast food over home-cooked meals may undermine SNAP‘s goal of improving long-term health outcomes for low-income families. A 2020 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that adults who frequently ate at Subway had higher calorie intake and worse diet quality than those who visited less often.
The reality is that relying too heavily on restaurant fare — even from seemingly healthier chains like Subway — can make it challenging to meet nutritional needs on a limited budget. That‘s why it‘s crucial for SNAP recipients to prioritize home meal preparation with their benefits whenever possible. Cooking from scratch empowers you to control portions, maximize nutrients, and stretch your food dollars much further than eating out.
That being said, Restaurant Meals Programs serve an essential purpose for SNAP recipients who may not have reliable access to kitchen facilities. If fast food meals are a necessity, there are still steps you can take to balance health and affordability at places like Subway:
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Look for coupons and deals. Many Subway locations offer periodic specials like buy-one-get-one subs or discounted combos that can help you save money on top of using your EBT card.
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Make smart substitutions. Opt for whole grain breads, pile on extra veggies at no cost, and skip high-calorie condiments. A 6-inch Veggie Delite sub on 9-grain wheat (220 calories) will fill you up for fewer SNAP dollars than a footlong Spicy Italian (960 calories).
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Stick to water. Sugary fountain drinks are a waste of money and benefits. Ask for a free cup of water instead.
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Supplement with snacks from home. Pack carrot sticks, an apple, or some trail mix from your grocery haul to round out your Subway meal without splurging on pricey add-ons.
Remember, moderation is key. Treating yourself to the occasional Subway sandwich won‘t make or break your diet. But prioritizing nutrient-dense groceries that you can prepare at home will help you get the most nutritional bang for your SNAP buck.
The Bigger Picture
The dialogue around Subway‘s EBT policies points to a larger conversation about the role of fast food in underserved communities. On one hand, RMP expansion efforts are often framed as an equity issue — why shouldn‘t low-income Americans have the same convenient dining options as everyone else? But critics worry that promoting restaurant meals over groceries could exacerbate existing health disparities and strain SNAP budgets.
As policymakers continue to debate the merits of the Restaurant Meals Program, some anti-hunger advocates are pushing for more creative ways to improve food access and affordability. For instance, a growing number of farmers markets now accept EBT payments, giving SNAP recipients the opportunity to buy fresh, locally-grown produce at a discount.
Some experts have also proposed expanding SNAP incentives for purchasing fruits and vegetables, or launching nutrition education campaigns to help recipients make the most of their benefits. Nonprofits like Cooking Matters offer free classes on healthy eating and cooking on a budget.
For its part, Subway has taken some small steps to court low-income customers beyond EBT acceptance. Some franchises have been known to donate unsold food to local charities and participate in summer meal programs for children.
However, public pressure is mounting for major restaurant chains to do more to address food insecurity and nutrition. A 2020 report by the nonprofit Food Tank found that Subway and its competitors overwhelmingly fail to include fruit, vegetables, and whole grains in kids‘ meals, even as childhood obesity rates climb.
As the nation‘s leading fast food chain, Subway has an opportunity to set a higher standard for making a healthy, affordable diet accessible to all. Accepting EBT at more locations is a start, but it‘s clear there‘s much more work to be done to support SNAP recipients in achieving optimal nutrition and well-being.
Key Takeaways
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Subway accepts EBT payments only in states with Restaurant Meals Programs, and only at select locations that opt into the program. RMP eligibility is limited to SNAP recipients who are elderly, disabled, or homeless.
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Even at EBT-approved Subway restaurants, SNAP funds can only be used to purchase certain ready-to-eat items like subs, salads, and sides. Restrictions apply.
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While Restaurant Meals Programs increase food access for some SNAP recipients, over-reliance on fast food can make it difficult to afford a balanced diet on a limited budget. Preparing meals at home is more cost-effective and nutritious.
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Beyond EBT acceptance, major restaurant chains like Subway have a responsibility to support healthy eating for low-income families through affordable menu options, nutrition education, and community outreach.
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SNAP recipients can stretch their benefits further by shopping smart, cooking from scratch, and taking advantage of initiatives like farmers market discounts and healthy cooking classes. The goal should be using EBT to build a strong nutritional foundation, with fast food as an occasional treat rather than a staple.
With a little planning and creativity, it is possible to eat well on SNAP — with or without Subway in the mix. The most important thing is educating yourself on how to maximize your benefits to support your long-term health and quality of life. Don‘t be afraid to seek out resources and advocate for policies that make nutritious food more affordable and accessible for all.
