Does Honey Baked Ham Accept EBT in Michigan? Here’s What You Need To Know

For families relying on food assistance programs like SNAP or EBT in Michigan putting nutritious meals on the table can be a challenge. Many are curious whether popular food retailers like Honey Baked Ham accept EBT as payment.

Unfortunately, the answer is no – Honey Baked Ham does not currently accept EBT cards or food stamps as payment in any state, including Michigan. However, there are some nuances around EBT and prepared food retailers that are important to understand.

In this article. we’ll break down everything you need to know about using EBT at Honey Baked Ham in Michigan including

• An overview of EBT and SNAP benefits in Michigan
• Explanation of why Honey Baked Ham doesn’t accept EBT
• Info on Michigan’s Restaurant Meal Program for EBT holders
• Other ways to save money on Honey Baked Ham products
• Alternate restaurants that accept EBT in Michigan

Let’s dive in!

Understanding EBT and SNAP in Michigan

EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer, and is the system used to distribute SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, to eligible recipients in Michigan.

SNAP is administered at the state level by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). To qualify for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must meet certain income requirements.

If approved for SNAP benefits, recipients will be issued a Bridge Card (EBT debit card) which can be used to purchase eligible food items from participating retailers. Not all retailers accept EBT cards as payment, so it’s important to check ahead of time.

Here are some important things to know about shopping for food in Michigan with EBT:

• Eligible foods: SNAP benefits can be used to buy most food items including breads, fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products.

• Ineligible items: SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase prepared hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food or non-food items.

• Separate EBT items: When you check out, you have to separate the items that are eligible for EBT from the items that are not.

• Check your balance: Check your EBT card balance regularly and keep all receipts as proof of your purchases.

• Find participating retailers: Look for the “EBT Accepted Here” sign or verify ahead of time by contacting the retailer or checking the USDA SNAP retailer locator.

Why Honey Baked Ham Doesn’t Accept EBT

Now that we’ve covered the basics of how EBT/SNAP works in Michigan, let’s discuss why Honey Baked Ham doesn’t accept EBT cards as payment.

There are two key reasons for this:

1. Honey Baked Ham does not participate in SNAP.

Though they operate stores nationwide, Honey Baked Ham has chosen not to enroll in the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s SNAP retailer program.

Therefore, all Honey Baked Ham locations across the U.S. are ineligible to accept SNAP EBT cards as payment. This applies even in states that allow prepared food retailers to accept EBT under Restaurant Meal Programs (which we’ll explain more below).

2. Hot prepared foods are ineligible SNAP purchases.

Under regular SNAP rules, hot prepared foods cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. This includes hot deli-style foods, rotisserie chickens, made-to-order sandwiches and more.

Since many Honey Baked Ham menu items like hot ham sandwiches fall into this category, they would be ineligible for EBT purchases in most states.

Michigan’s Restaurant Meal Program

Now, here’s an exception to the hot prepared food rule. Michigan recently launched a Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) in partnership with select restaurants to allow EBT use for prepared meals.

The RMP aims to make restaurant meals accessible to EBT recipients who may face challenges preparing food, like seniors, disabled individuals or those experiencing homelessness.

Eligible EBT recipients can use their Bridge Card to purchase prepared meals at discounted prices from participating RMP restaurants. However, Honey Baked Ham has not enrolled in Michigan’s Restaurant Meal Program.

So unfortunately, the RMP does not open up EBT payment options at Honey Baked Ham either. But it’s useful to know if you are an eligible EBT holder looking for restaurant options that do accept EBT in Michigan.

How to Save Money at Honey Baked Ham

While you can’t directly use your SNAP EBT benefits at Honey Baked Ham, there are some tips to enjoy their products on a budget if you love their hams and fixings:

• Join their rewards program for exclusive discounts and coupon offers to members

• Take advantage of ham coupon codes and seasonal sales

• Purchase smaller hams or half-hams which feed fewer people

• Split costs by ordering a ham with another household then dividing portions

• Host a fundraiser and earn 15% of sales back to support your organization

• Make your own honey baked ham at home with a basic recipe

Getting creative with rewards programs, coupons, portion sizes and DIY options can help you enjoy Honey Baked Ham on a tight food budget. Their products may cost more upfront, but smaller hams and portioning out servings can stretch your dollars further.

Other Michigan Restaurants That Accept EBT

If you qualify for SNAP EBT benefits, there are some restaurant options in Michigan where you can use your Bridge Card, thanks to the Restaurant Meal Program.

As of February 2023, over 180 restaurants across Michigan have enrolled in the RMP. Participants include small local eateries along with some fast food chains like Subway, Burger King, Taco Bell and more.

Here are a few restaurants confirmed to accept EBT through Michigan’s RMP as of this writing:

• Wendy’s (select MI locations only)
• Subway (select MI locations only)
• Burger King (select MI locations only)
• Taco Bell (select MI locations only)
• Halo Burger (Michigan-based chain)
• Avon Donuts & Deli (Detroit)
• Anita’s Kitchen (Delta Township)
• Eastside Fish Fry (Detroit)

Check for updated listings on the MDHHS website. You can also ask locally if any restaurants participate in the RMP and accept Bridge Cards.

While Honey Baked Ham itself is not an option, RMP provides convenient prepared meal options for EBT recipients across Michigan.

The Bottom Line on EBT and Honey Baked Ham

Unfortunately, Honey Baked Ham does not accept EBT or SNAP benefits for payment in any location, including Michigan.

They are not enrolled in SNAP and most of their products are hot prepared foods that would be ineligible for regular SNAP purchases anyway. While Michigan does have an innovative Restaurant Meal Program for EBT users, Honey Baked Ham has not signed on to participate.

However, there are ways to enjoy their products on a budget through coupons, smaller portions, and rewards programs. And RMP gives EBT recipients access to prepared meals from other participating restaurants across the state.

Hopefully this guide provides clarity on how EBT can (and can’t) be used at popular food retailers like Honey Baked Ham. Programs like Restaurant Meal aim to expand options, but limitations remain. Being aware of the policies, rules and alternatives can help families on a tight food budget make the most of their benefits.