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Are you wondering if Subway accepts EBT cards? If you’re part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you might be curious about using your EBT card at fast-food places such as Subway and McDonald’s.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system enables SNAP program participants to use their benefits to purchase food. Subway accepts EBT in specific cases. Read on for details on using your EBT card at Subway and the locations that accept it.
So, does Subway accept EBT?
Subway does accept EBT, but only for in-store purchases. Unfortunately, the Subway app and online ordering do not currently support EBT payments. It’s important to note that not all Subway locations participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), a federal program that allows certain homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals to use their EBT benefits at participating restaurants. Therefore, check with your local Subway location is vital to confirm if they participate in the RMP program.
If your Subway location doesn’t participate in the RMP, you might still be able to use your EBT card to purchase cold foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and drinks. However, it’s best to check with your local Subway location to see if they accept EBT payments for cold food purchases. It’s important to keep in mind that hot foods, such as Subway’s famous meatball sub, cannot be purchased with EBT benefits, even at participating locations.
Using your EBT at Subway locations that participate in RMP
The Restaurant Meals Program enables eligible SNAP recipients, such as the elderly, homeless, and disabled, to use their SNAP EBT cards at authorized restaurants. Currently, six states participate in the RMP:
- Arizona
- California
- Rhode Island
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Maryland
Among these states, Subway locations that accept EBT are primarily found in California, Arizona, and Rhode Island. However, not all EBT cardholders in these states automatically qualify for the program. To be eligible, individuals must meet their state’s specific requirements. Essentially, the RMP allows SNAP recipients in participating states to purchase hot or prepared food items at authorized restaurants like Subway.
EBT-Approved cold items you can purchase
If you live in a state without the Restaurant Meals Program or don’t qualify for it, finding a Subway that accepts EBT might be challenging. However, you can still buy SNAP-eligible cold items to prepare at home. Here’s a list of approved items:
- Bread and cereals
- Red meat (ground beef, steak, ribs)
- Desserts (ice cream, cookies, brownies)
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Cold sandwiches
- Salads
- Soft drinks (Sprite, Pepsi)
- Energy drinks (Red Bull)
- Pork products (chops, bacon, tenderloin, sausages)
- Chips
- Snack crackers
- Poultry
While Subway may not offer many of these items separately, you can still find soft drinks, chips, and snacks. Remember that purchasing a sub at Subway is only possible if the restaurant is part of the Restaurant Meals Program.
What items are ineligible for purchase using SNAP benefits?
You cannot use your SNAP benefits to buy:
- Alcohol (wine, beer, or liquor)
- Tobacco products (cigarettes)
- Pet foods
- Soaps
- Paper products
- Household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
Which Subway locations accept EBT cards?
Out of over 23,000 Subway locations across the United States, EBT cards are accepted at Subway outlets in only three states.
The eligible states for EBT transactions at Subway are:
Arizona Subway locations accepting EBT
Good news for Arizona residents – EBT is widely accepted at Subway outlets across the state. Here’s a list of Subway locations in Arizona where you can use your EBT card:
- Anthem
- Apache Junction
- Avondale
- Benson
- Buckeye
- Bullhead City
- Camp Verde
- Casa Grande
- Chandler
- Chino Valley
- Coolidge
- Douglas
- El Mirage
- Florence
- Fort Mohave
- Fountain Hills
- Gila Bend
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Globe
- Kayenta
- Kingman
- Lake Havasu City
- Marana
- Maricopa
- Mayer
- Mesa
- Navajo
- New River
- Nogales
- Overgaard
- Paga
- Parker
- Payson
- Peoria
- Phoenix
- Prescott
- Prescott Valley
- Queen Creek
- Rio Rico
- Safford
- Sahuarita
- San Luis
- San Tan Valley
- Scottsdale
- Sierra Vista
- Johns
- Surprise
- Tempe
- Thatcher
- Tonopah
- Tuba City
- Tucson
- Winslow
- Wittmann
- Yuma
Arizona boasts over 200 Subway locations that accept EBT as part of its comprehensive RMP.
California Subway locations accepting EBT
In California, hundreds of Subway locations accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). The acceptance of EBT is part of the state’s Resource Management Plan (RMP). You can use your food stamps at Subway in the following California counties:
- Alameda
- Los Angeles
- Orange
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
Rhode Island Subway locations accepting EBT
You can use your food stamps at the following Rhode Island Subway locations:
- Central Falls: 310 Broad Street
- Cranston: 962 Cranston Street
- Newport: 104 Broadway Unit 1A
- Pawtucket: 614 Pawtucket Avenue
- Providence:
- 583 Elmwood Avenue
- 2 Kennedy Plaza
- 719 Westminster Street
- 255 Weybossett Street
- Westerly: 258 Post Road (inside Walmart)
- Woonsocket: 483 Clinton Street
How to locate restaurants accepting EBT
If you’re looking for places that accept EBT for food purchases, here are simple ways to locate them:
- EBT locator website: The USDA offers an online tool to find nearby EBT-accepting restaurants and grocery stores. Just visit their website, enter your location, and discover options in your area.
- Mobile apps: Utilize third-party apps and websites designed for locating EBT-accepting establishments. These tools make it easy for individuals relying on government assistance.
- Contact local agencies: Contact your local Department of Social Services or SNAP office for a list of restaurants and stores accepting EBT in your community.
How does the RMP determine which restaurants are authorized to accept EBT?
As the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) gains popularity among SNAP recipients, many wonder if Subway, the renowned sandwich chain, accepts EBT as payment. This article explores the authorization process for restaurants in the RMP and clarifies Subway’s stance on participating in the program.
RMP eligibility criteria
The RMP aims to help specific SNAP recipients access discounted meals at authorized restaurants instead of limiting their benefits to grocery stores. Households must meet state-specific criteria, including members being elderly, disabled, homeless, or spouses of aged and/or disabled SNAP recipients.
State approval and authorization
For a restaurant to join the RMP, it must operate in a state that implements the program, gain approval from state authorities, and sign an agreement with the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Authorization from both state regulatory bodies and FNS is crucial for participation.
State-specific requirements
Each state establishes its own requirements for participating restaurants, influenced by local regulations, population needs, and government policies. Requirements may vary between states, making what is permissible in one state not applicable elsewhere.
Certification process
After meeting the criteria and obtaining approval, an establishment becomes certified to participate in the RMP. Certified restaurants must offer discounted meals exclusively for SNAP beneficiaries, accepting SNAP benefits as payment.
How do I pay with EBT at Subway?
Paying with EBT at Subway is straightforward if the store accepts it. Simply swipe your card, similar to doing so at a grocery store or gas station. Ensure the restaurant doesn’t include sales tax or gratuity in your payment with benefits. Always review your receipt to confirm the correct handling of your transaction.
Is Subway a healthy choice for EBT?
The healthiness of Subway as an option for EBT is a subject of debate. Studies indicate that Subway meals can be high in sodium. Your overall meal healthiness, though, depends on the choices you make.
The bottom line
It would be a great help if all states had a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that would allow those in need to purchase hot and prepared foods using their EBT cards. Unfortunately, only three states currently offer this program – California, Arizona, and Rhode Island.
If you are fortunate enough to live in one of these states and qualify for the RMP, you can use your EBT card at participating Subway locations offering hot and prepared foods. However, if you do not live in one of these states or do not qualify for the RMP, you may still be able to purchase a few cold food items using your EBT card at Subway or other participating retailers.