Does Pizza Hut Take EBT?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer is a great food-providing solution for people that can’t afford it. With increasing prices and lifestyle costs, this program provides for those who most need nutrition and protection. But does Pizza Hut take EBT, or any other restaurant, for that matter? Learn more about that here.

Pizza Hut accepts EBT. However, they have only decided to participate in this benefits program through the Californian CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program, which enables people with low incomes and non-fixed residences to get restaurant food with the Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Some locations where people can use this card to get Pizza Hut include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.

Pizza slices randomly placed on an orange background

Does Pizza Hut Take EBT?

The news is good and not so good. Pizza Hut does take Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, but only in a few select locations in California. Participants of SNAP, and especially the Restaurant Meals Program, could get delicious pizzas from other restaurants across the country, but only some Pizza Huts.

For example, Papa Murphy’s locations accept these cards across thirty-seven US states, while Domino’s and Papa John’s take the same cards in select restaurants in Arizona and California.

According to sources, most pizzerias that take these benefit debit cards are in California, with some exceptions in Arizona, Texas, Rhode Island, and Missouri. While you may not be able to get a decent Pizza Hut delivery where you are, you can always try other restaurants with your benefit card.

Can You Use EBT Cards in Sacramento Pizza Hut?

California has a particular food stamp organization called CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program, and Pizza Hut is a part of it. According to sources, the following county areas participate in it are:

  • Sacramento,
  • Los Angeles,
  • Riverside,
  • San Diego,
  • San Francisco,
  • Orange,
  • Alameda,
  • San Luis Obispo,
  • Santa Clara,
  • Santa Cruz.

What Is the Electronic Benefits Transfer System?

EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and is a system used to distribute government benefits like food stamps and welfare payment programs. It’s similar to a debit card and can be used at stores or ATMs to withdraw cash or purchase goods.

This is part of the USDA’s SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This federally funded food assistance to low-income participants helps them afford a healthy diet through compensation packages for shopping at authorized retailers.

SNAP is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The Secretary of Agriculture oversees it, and the Deputy Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services is responsible for its day-to-day operations.

With these cards, users with these compensation packages don’t have to wonder how much pizzas are at Pizza Hut but can use them to get the most delicious meal from their favorite pizzeria. It may even be possible to try the Pizza Hut pasta, too.

A bunch of fresh produce

How Does Someone Apply for Electronic Benefits Transfer?

To be eligible for SNAP, participants must meet certain income and asset requirements. Additionally, households may only receive this form of compensation if they contain at least one US citizen or legal non-citizen considered a “household member.”

When it comes to applying, a person must fill out an application and provide proof of income. The application can be found on the website of their state or county welfare agency. If they meet the income requirements, they’ll receive benefits that can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores and farmers’ markets.

How to Use the Electronic Benefit Transfer Card

When people receive their EBT card, they’re also given a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access the account. To use it, they only need to swipe it at the store or insert it into an ATM and enter the PIN. The funds in the account are then used to pay for a purchase or withdrawal.

If you wish to apply or already have one of these benefit cards, here are a few things to remember when using them:

  • You can only use them at approved stores or ATMs,
  • You can only spend the amount of money that is in your account,
  • Always keep your cards and PINs safe and secure,
  • Do not give your cards or PINs to anyone else, as this could result in fraudulent charges being made to your account,
  • If you suspect these have been stolen, contact your state’s EBT customer service number immediately.

How the Restaurant Meals Program Works

While SNAP primarily covers expenses related to supermarket foods and groceries, there’s also the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP,) which partially covers SNAP participants with these benefit cards.

RMP is more aimed at low-income individuals who don’t have adequate space to cook or prepare meals; it helps them purchase affordable, nutritious foods at participating restaurants. They can use these cards to buy any item on the restaurant’s menu, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even meal specials.

In addition to making it easy for participants, the program also helps restaurants to attract new customers. It doesn’t technically cover ordering Pizza Hut online, but brick-and-mortar locations actively participate in it.

A girl preparing a lot of food on the grill

Who Qualifies for RMP?

There isn’t a particular procedure to apply for RMP if you’re in SNAP, but you might wonder if you’re eligible for it. The priority is people who don’t have a fixed living situation or a place to do meal prep.

However, here are all the residents that qualify for RMP:

  • People with disabilities (who also receive disability payments)
  • Those who are sixty and older,
  • Homeless people (meaning those that lack a fixed nighttime residence)
  • A spouse of a SNAP beneficiary (but one that qualifies for RMP, too)

Pizza Hut Accepts These Cards in Select Locations in California

While you can’t get a delivery or order online with EBT, you can go to Pizza Hut and use your card at one of the select locations in California to eat some of the most delicious pizzas.

Whether you’re from San Luis Obispo or San Francisco, you can count on benefit programs to help you and your loved ones if you’re a low-income household.

It’s recommended to research CalFresh a bit more or look into other restaurants that accept these cards and get the most out of the compensation packages.