Last Updated on 11/9/23
If you have a New York EBT Card and have questions about what fast food places or restaurants take EBT in New York, you’ve come to the right place. In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Restaurant Meals Program and answer the question about Restaurants that take EBT in New York, including NYC.
Before we get into how to the Restaurant Meals Program, we will first explain how the New York EBT program works.
Additionally, we will walk you through what the Restaurant meals program is about.
Next, we will explain whether New York state participates in the Federal Restaurant Meals Program.
Finally, we will answer the most frequently asked New York EBT questions, grocery stores that accept New York EBT cards online for Delivery.
Table of Contents:
- What is New York EBT?
- What is the Restaurant Meals Program?
- Who is Eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program
- Does New York Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
- Other New York EBT Perks
- New York EBT FAQs
What is New York EBT?
Once you are approved for SNAP or cash benefits (Temporary Assistance), you will receive your benefits each month on a New York EBT Card.
An EBT card is a plastic card that acts like a debit card.
You can use the EBT card to buy groceries and other items with your cash benefits at participating stores and other locations.
In New York, the EBT card is also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC).
How Does New EBT Work?
The New EBT benefits are issued to those who meet the New York food stamps or cash benefits requirementand are approved for benefits.
The EBT card works like a debit card and can beused to buy eligible foodat most grocery stores and many farmers’ markets.
Additionally, the EBT card can even be used to buy seeds or plants to grow food.
However, you cannot use the EBT card to purchase alcohol, hot foods, and foods prepared for immediate consumption, like toasted sandwiches at the deli.
What is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Food Stamps program or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) only allows you to use yourEBT card to purchase food for preparation at home.
However, federal law permits states to allow certain SNAP beneficiaries to use their EBT cards to purchase food at approved restaurants.
The program is called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
RMPallows individuals who are homeless, elderly (age 60 or over), or disabled, and their spouse, to use their SNAP benefits to purchase prepared meals at authorized restaurants.
Who is Eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program
As mentioned above, thefollowinggroups of SNAP recipients are eligible for the RMP.
Disabled
A disabled person receiving Social Security benefits; Railroad Retirement benefits Annuities; or other disability payments.
Elderly
A person60 years of age or older.
Homeless
A person who does not have a fixed or regular nighttime residence.
Does New York Participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
Yes. In May 2021, the New York State Assembly passed a bill that would establish a statewide Restaurant Meals Program as part of the SNAP program.
New York, therefore, joins California, Maryland, Michigan, Arizona, Illinois, and Rhode Island that have robust RMP programs.
When will New Yorkers be able to use EBT at Restaurants?
Here are the next steps regarding the New York Restaurant Meals program:
First, restaurants in New York state that wish to be part of the RMP must apply and become certified before becoming authorized vendors.
Additionally, approved restaurants are required to offer specially discounted meal options for SNAP recipients in order to participate in the program.
New York Restaurant Meals Program Roll Out
The New York RMP rollout is expected to begin in December 2023 in Monroe County (Rochester, NY).
Restaurants that have worked with the City of Rochester or the State of New York to get hot meals to food insecure individuals during COVID have been invited to participate in the first phase of the program.
After a successful launch, restaurants throughout Monroe County will be able to apply to participate in the RMP and begin accepting SNAP benefits as payment.
The program will then be expanded to other counties over time.
What kind of Restaurants will participate in the New York RMP Program?
In states that already have this program up and running, authorized restaurants have included national fast-food chains, restaurant chains, and locally-owned restaurants.
What are the next steps?
The bill to establish the RMP in New York passed the State Senate with bipartisan support on 5/4/21, then passed the Assembly on 5/24/21.
It now heads back to the Senate, which has until the end of the year to send the bill to the Governor’s desk.
Once it passes the New York Senate and is signed by the governor, here’s what you can expect:
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which will be in charge of running the program will provide a timeline on when the program will be launched.
We will update this article with updates on when New Yorkers with SNAP EBT cards will be able to use their benefits at restaurants.
Stay tuned!!
Other New York EBT Perks
One of the best-kept secrets about New York EBT is the many discounts, perks, and free stuff that are available to cardholders.
If you are on food stamps in New York or have an EBT card, you have access to many discounts and perks you may not even know about.
Amazon Prime EBT Discount
If you have a New York EBT Card, you can now sign up forAmazon Prime EBT Discountand get all the great benefits that come with Prime membership, at a fraction of the cost.
The regular Amazon Prime membership is$12.99a month. However, if you have an EBT Card, you can get Prime Membership for$5.99. That’sover 50% off the regular price.
Lifeline Program
If you are currently on Food Stamps/EBT Cardholder, and your income is below a certain level, you may qualify forFREE or low-cost home or cell phone service.
This may be for you or a member of your family through the FederalLifelineProgram, which serves nearly 13 million Americans.
The Lifeline program helps to lower the monthly cost of phone and internet service.
Eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their monthly bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet service, but not both.
Discounted Museums Admission
As an EBT cardholder in New York, you also get discounted or FREE access to museums and other great family-friendly places.
We have compiled the list of museums you can visit for free or at a discount in our article – Free Admission with New York EBT.
The New York Museums listed in the article all offer individual admission fees ranging from FREE to $3.00 to individuals and families.
To take advantage of this perk, all you need is an EBT card and a valid form of photo ID.
New York EBT FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about EBT benefits in New York:
What Grocery Stores Accept New York EBT Online for Delivery?
Both Walmart, Amazon, and Shoprite accept online purchasing with New York EBT statewide.
Additionally, the following grocery storesaccept New York EBT through the Instacart mobile app:
Aldi, Price Chopper Supermarket, Market Bistro, and Market 32 are now accepting EBT for pickup and delivery via Instacart New York.
Furthermore, FreshDirect delivers for free to SNAP beneficiaries in select ZIP codes in the Bronx, New York.
See our guide on how to add your SNAP card to your Amazon account.
Also, see the complete list 33 online retailers that take EBT online below:
- 3 Guys From Brooklyn
- ACME
- ALDI
- Amazon
- BJs Wholesale Club
- Dash’s Market
- Fairway Market
- Ferreira Foodtown
- Food Bazaar
- Foodtown-Freshtown
- Gitto & Sons Health Food Inc.
- Gourmet Garage
- GreenStar Food Co-op
- Hannaford
- Hub on the Hill
- Manhattan Fruit Market
- My Foodtown
- P&C Fresh – Cortland
- P&C Fresh – Ithaca
- Pioneer Supermarket
- Price Chopper Supermarkets
- Price Rite
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go
- Schneider’s of Kirkwood
- ShopRite
- Skips on the Ridge
- Stop & Shop
- Target
- Tops Market
- Walmart
- Wegmans
- Weis Markets
- Whole Foods
What is the New York EBT Phone Number?
Here’s the number to call if you are trying to reach New York EBT Customer Service:
1-888-328-6399
You can call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
Youcan call the New York EBT Phone Number to:
- Check your SNAP or cash account balance information.
- Hear your last ten transactions.
- Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history.
- File a claim if you suspect that a transaction error occurred.
- Change your PIN.
- Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you.
Is there a New York EBT App?
Yes, for New York City residents, there is an NYC ACCESS HRA app.
The NYC ACCESS HRA app, which is free to use, is available for download at the App Storefor Apple devices or onGoogle Playfor Andriod devices
With the NYC ACCESS HRA mobile app you can view:
- SNAP (Food Stamps) / Cash Assistance (CA) case status
- EBT balance
- Recent payments
- Upcoming appointments
- Documents on file
- Fair Fares NYC enrollment information
- Required documents for your SNAP (Food Stamps) or Cash Assistance (CA) case or Fair Fares NYC application
The video below provides a great summary of the mobile app and the functions you can access when you download the app.
Can I check my New York EBT Card Balance by Phone?
Yes, you can check your New York EBT Card balance is by phone.
Call the New York EBT Customer Service number (1-888-328-6399) on the back of your card.
The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After you call, enter your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number and you will hear your current New York SNAP or cash account balance(s).
Restaurants that take EBT in New York Summary?
We hope this post on the topic “Restaurants that take EBT in New York” was helpful.
If you have further questions about New York SNAP or EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about NY SNAP and EBT, including:
- New York EBT Deposit Dates for 2021
- Get Free Admission with NY EBT Card
- New York P-EBT Benefits for Summer 2021
- P-EBT Extension for NY for School Year 2020/2021
- How much will I get in New York EBT Benefits?
- New York EBT Login
- NYC SNAP Office Locations
