Can You Use Food Stamps at Honey Baked Ham?

For many families relying on government food assistance programs, finding an affordable yet delicious holiday ham can be challenging. With its near-legendary reputation for mouthwatering flavor Honey Baked Ham seems like an obvious solution. But can you actually use food stamps EBT, SNAP or other benefits to purchase their famous hams and side dishes? Let’s find out.

What is Honey Baked Ham?

Honey Baked Ham is a popular chain of retail stores and e-commerce sites specializing in you guessed it honey baked ham along with other pork entrees, side dishes, desserts and more.

Founded in Detroit, MI in 1957, they’ve expanded nationwide with over 450 locations currently operating in 40 states today. The brand has become synonymous with their unique hams coated with a sweet glaze made from honey, brown sugar and other natural flavors.

In addition to bone-in and boneless hams Honey Baked Ham’s menu features items like

• Sandwiches and wraps featuring sliced ham and turkey
• Signature side dishes and salads
• Heat-and-serve holiday meals
• Desserts and gift baskets

They offer convenient ordering online, in-store pickup, and nationwide shipping.

Does Honey Baked Ham Accept EBT or Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes still referred to as food stamps, provides benefits via an EBT card that can be used to purchase eligible grocery items from participating retailers.

Unfortunately, you cannot use SNAP benefits to make purchases directly from Honey Baked Ham stores, online, or over the phone.

This applies to all products, from full holiday ham meals to individual sandwiches and side dishes. There are a couple reasons Honey Baked Ham does not accept EBT cards:

• They are a prepared foods retailer, not a grocery store. SNAP rules prohibit using benefits on hot foods or prepared items intended for immediate consumption.

• As a specialty food store, they have chosen not to participate in the SNAP retailer program which would allow them to accept EBT payments.

So if you receive SNAP benefits, Honey Baked Ham is not a retailer where you can use your EBT card. You will need to find other options when it comes to buying ham and holiday meals with food stamps.

Where Can You Buy Ham with SNAP Benefits?

While Honey Baked Ham itself does not take EBT, you do have some options for purchasing ham using your SNAP benefits:

• Grocery stores: Chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, etc. all accept EBT and sell private label hams you can buy with your benefits. You won’t get the Honey Baked flavor, but it’s an affordable alternative.

• Amazon: The online retailer participates in the SNAP online program, so you can use benefits to buy eligible Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods hams and have them shipped.

• Walmart: This doesn’t give you the Honey Baked brand, but Walmart does sell spiral cut hams, and accepts EBT both in-store and for Walmart Grocery Pickup orders.

• Dollar General: While selections are more limited, you may find private label or lower-cost hams at Dollar General which accepts SNAP benefits.

So you have some decent options for purchasing ham using your food stamp benefits – just not from the famous Honey Baked Ham brand itself unfortunately. With a little hunting you can likely find a tasty and affordable ham that fits within your SNAP budget.

Can You Buy a Honey Baked Ham with WIC?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is another government food assistance program. It provides specific supplemental foods for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women and children under 5 years old who are at nutrition risk.

WIC benefits come in the form of checks or vouchers that can be exchanged for approved items like juice, cereal, peanut butter, beans, milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread, and more.

Honey Baked Ham products cannot be purchased with WIC. The program restricts items to nutritious basics – you cannot use WIC to buy prepared holiday meals, desserts, or other specialty indulgences. Again, as a specialty food store, Honey Baked Ham does not accept WIC benefits.

If you receive WIC, you can purchase fresh ham from a grocery store using your benefits. Or consider exchanging some formula vouchers for cash value vouchers that can be spent on any eligible grocery items. But Honey Baked Hams themselves cannot be bought with WIC food checks.

Are There Discounts for Low Income Families?

While government benefits like SNAP and WIC can’t be used, Honey Baked Ham does try to help lower income households in other ways:

• They offer discounts of 10-15% off hams and turkeys during the holidays. Not huge savings, but helpful.

• You can sometimes find Honey Baked Ham coupon codes online for additional dollars off an order.

• Their hams and heat-and-serve meals help feed large gatherings affordably versus dining at a restaurant.

• They run promotions like bonus side dishes or desserts to stretch your food dollar.

So while you can’t directly use SNAP or WIC for Honey Baked Ham products, look for coupons, holiday discounts, and bulk meal options to help trim costs if these items fit within your budget.

Are Gift Cards an Option for Honey Baked Ham?

Some organizations provide eligible low income families with free grocery store gift cards during the holidays that can provide extra help with buying food.

You cannot purchase Honey Baked Ham gift cards directly with SNAP or WIC benefits. However, if you receive supermarket gift cards from a nonprofit group, you could use those to buy a basic ham, then purchase a Honey Baked Ham gift card for yourself to put toward a special holiday meal.

Gift cards allow you to pay for Honey Baked Ham products when government benefits cannot be applied. If given grocery cards, think about splitting the balance and indulging in a Honey Baked Ham treat.

Can You Volunteer to Get a Free Ham?

Some Honey Baked Ham stores donate hams or offer discounts for volunteers who help out prior to holidays. Opportunities may include packing meal boxes, distributing food to seniors, or other tasks. In return, volunteers receive vouchers that can be redeemed for hams or sides.

If you’re able to give some time, it’s a great way to earn your family a delicious Honey Baked Ham meal. Check your local store around Thanksgiving and Christmas to see if they have any volunteer programs. Call ahead as slots fill up quickly.

So while EBT, WIC and other benefits can’t be used at Honey Baked Ham, look into holiday discounts, gift card options, or volunteering if their products are within your budget. With a little creativity, you may be able to enjoy their signature hams, sides and desserts using alternate payment solutions.