Restaurants That Accept EBT in Maryland
Yes — Maryland is one of nine states where SNAP can buy a hot restaurant meal, at 31 approved locations. It’s open to SNAP households where everyone is 60 or older, disabled, or homeless. A pilot, running in selected counties.
Run by: Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) · Official list: see approved restaurants
Where It Works in Maryland
Maryland's Department of Human Services describes the program as a pilot “in the current counties,” with more jurisdictions added as it expands. Participating restaurants span Baltimore City and Baltimore, Washington, Charles, St. Mary's, Frederick and Anne Arundel counties.
As of August 14, 2026 · Source: Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), Maryland Restaurant Meals Program
Do You Qualify?
Every person in your SNAP household has to meet one of these:
- Age 60 or older
- Disabled — receiving disability or blindness payments, or government disability retirement benefits for a permanent disability
- Homeless
- The spouse of a SNAP client who qualifies under one of the rules above
You also have to be certified for SNAP in Maryland itself. There’s no separate application — if you qualify, the state codes your EBT card for the program and it just works at the register.
As of August 14, 2026 · Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (page updated August 7, 2026)
Chains on Maryland’s Approved List
These restaurant chains appear on Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS)’s own list of approved locations. The number is how many locations in the state are approved — not how many restaurants the chain has here.
| Chain | Approved locations |
|---|---|
| KFC | 11 |
| Checkers | 3 |
| Wendy's | 2 |
| Burger King | 1 |
Source: Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), official approved-restaurant list · we could not re-read this list on August 14, 2026 — see the note below
Approval is per restaurant, not per chain. One KFC being approved tells you nothing about the next one down the road. Check the state list for the exact address before you go.
About this data: Maryland's site was unreachable from our network on the day we checked, so treat these counts as the most recent published figures rather than today's. Maryland also notes your card works at RMP restaurants in other RMP states.
Using Your Card at the Restaurant
Swipe your EBT card, pick EBT, enter your PIN. If your card isn’t coded for the program the machine declines it — the restaurant doesn’t decide and can’t check your case. Staff see an EBT card, nothing more.
Your regular SNAP balance pays for the meal, so a $12 lunch is $12 off your monthly benefit. Nothing about the program adds money to your card.
What Else Your EBT Card Buys in Maryland
The Restaurant Meals Program is a narrow add-on. Your everyday grocery shopping is unchanged:
- Stores that accept EBT in Maryland
- Find EBT stores near you
- Gas stations that accept EBT
- What you can buy with EBT
Questions About Maryland’s Program
Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) handles the Restaurant Meals Program here. Email [email protected]. Phone 410-767-9880. We’re not a government agency and can’t look up your case — the state can.
Other States With a Restaurant Meals Program
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (state list and eligibility, page updated August 7, 2026), and Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), Maryland Restaurant Meals Program. Approved restaurant data from the state’s own published list. Last reviewed: August 14, 2026.