Restaurants That Accept EBT in Massachusetts
Yes — Massachusetts is one of nine states where SNAP can buy a hot restaurant meal, at 13 approved locations. It’s open to SNAP households where everyone is 60 or older, disabled, or homeless. A small pilot — 13 restaurants and food trucks, all independent.
Run by: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) · Official list: see approved restaurants · Started: Fall 2023 (pilot)
Where It Works in Massachusetts
Massachusetts launched its RMP as a pilot in fall 2023. It remains the smallest program by restaurant count after Rhode Island, and every approved business is a local restaurant or food truck — no national chains.
As of August 14, 2026 · Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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)
Which Restaurants Are Approved
No national chains take part in Massachusetts. All 13 approved businesses are independent restaurants and food trucks, so the state’s own list is the only place to find them by name.
As of August 14, 2026 · Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)
Open Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)’s official list →
Good to know: If you already get SNAP in Massachusetts and meet the RMP rules, DTA enrolls you automatically — there's no separate application.
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 Massachusetts
The Restaurant Meals Program is a narrow add-on. Your everyday grocery shopping is unchanged:
- Stores that accept EBT in Massachusetts
- Find EBT stores near you
- Gas stations that accept EBT
- What you can buy with EBT
Questions About Massachusetts’s Program
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) handles the Restaurant Meals Program here. Email [email protected]. 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 Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Massachusetts Restaurant Meals Program. Approved restaurant data from the state’s own published list. Last reviewed: August 14, 2026.