Maybe you've seen a sign on a McDonald's window or heard a rumor that fast food restaurants are now accepting EBT cards. But is it true here in Michigan?

What is EBT?

The SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides low-income individuals and family members with the necessary funding to purchase food. The program (which was formerly known as Food Stamps) helps approximately 1.3 Michigan residents obtain nutritious food in an effort to reduce food insecurity.

SNAP benefits are distributed monthly to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, which recipients use to purchase food items at qualifying retailers.

Restaurant Meals Program in Michigan

While participation in the federal Restaurant Meals Program is not mandatory, some states have opted in, allowing SNAP benefit recipients the opportunity to use EBT cards to purchase freshly prepared, hot meals from specific restaurants.

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Michigan's participation has varied throughout the years with the program being discontinued a few years ago and then reinstated in 2020.

Who Can Use SNAP Benefits at Michigan Restaurants?

Food Assistance Program (FAP) recipients are eligible to use SNAP benefits at authorized Michigan restaurants if they meet one of the following requirements, according to Michigan.gov:

  • Be 60 years old or older
  • Receives disability or blindness payments or disability retirement benefits from a government agency due to a disability that is considered permanent.
  • Homeless
  • Spouse of a FAP recipient who is eligible for the program.

What Fast Food Restaurants in Michigan Accept EBT?

Throughout Michigan, just 90 restaurants in 25 counties have been authorized for our state's Restaurant Meal Program.

Although the majority of the fast food offerings are from Subway (Subway is the only chain authorized in Genesee County), there are some cases where McDonald's, Domino's, Popeye's, and other restaurants have been authorized to participate.

Check this list from Michigan.gov to find out which restaurants in Michigan have been authorized to accept EBT payments.

The Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in Michigan

What are the most popular fast-food restaurants here in Michigan? If you're automatically assuming that the chain with the Golden Arches has the most locations, you're in for a shock.

As you take a look at the pics below, see if you can figure out which location we've featured. All pictures are from the greater Flint area, and we've left in just enough background for you to be able to make an educated guess.

The answers are below.

By the way, the ranking is based on the restaurants with the most locations in The Mitten, based on data from the Friendly City Lab at Georgia Tech. Their numbers are based on data compiled in 2021, so some numbers may have fluctuated since then.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

Michigan Lakeside Home Is VRBO Vacation Home of the Year

With over 2 million properties worldwide Vrbo has picked once stunning lakeside retreat as a 2024 Vacation Home of the Year...and we can see why. Situated on 175 ft of the beautiful sandy Baptist Lake beachfront, this  5 bedroom, 7 bathroom home just outside of Grand Rapids offers more than just a place to sleep, but a full-on experience. Inside are all the extras including a professional-grade gym, a custom sports court for basketball and pickleball games, and a fully equipped game room. 

Gallery Credit: VRBO

Jeffrey Epstein's Cabin in Northern Michigan

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

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