Need equipment to accept SNAP at your market? FMC has you covered!
Posted On: October 17, 2017
Everyday, farmers markets nationwide connect farmers to their neighbors – allowing them to grow their business while providing communities with fresh, local food necessary to support healthy families.
The Farmers Market Coalition is committed to supporting local farmers, and increasing access to farm-fresh food for all communities, regardless of income. To meet these dual goals, FMC is pleased to have partnered with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to offer free SNAP EBT payment processing equipment to eligible direct marketing farmers and farmers markets. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income Americans.
Across the country, thousands of farmers markets and farmers now accept SNAP, and over 1,600 have received free SNAP EBT processing equipment from FMC. FMC’s Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program, provides an opportunity to join our effort to both support the livelihoods of local farmers and increase food access for families in need. You can read testimonials from program participants here and here, and learn more about the program and the benefits of SNAP at farmers markets through this recorded webinar offered by FMC.
What are the benefits of this program?
For approved applicants, FMC covers the costs of purchasing or renting SNAP EBT equipment and services (set-up costs, monthly service fees, and wireless fees) for up to three years. After their application has been approved, eligible farmers and farmers markets will choose their own SNAP EBT service provider from a list of participating companies.
How can you or your market participate?
- Determine if you qualify. SNAP authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers (who sell at a farmers market) are eligible if one of the following conditions are met:
- You do not currently have functioning EBT equipment, or
- You have EBT equipment, but received it before May 2, 2012.
- Apply NOW. Funding for equipment is limited and available to approved applicants on a first-come first-serve basis. Markets are encouraged to apply ASAP to ensure they have equipment for their upcoming season or holiday markets. You can complete and submit your online application HERE. You can also visit FMC’s website for more information, FAQs and other SNAP EBT equipment resources for farmers markets and farmers.
Please help us spread the word and share this information with your fellow farmers, market managers and market staff.
Together, we can support our nation’s farmers and create access to healthy, affordable, local food for all.
The Free SNAP EBT Equipment Program is funded by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Learn about becoming a SNAP authorized direct marketing farmer or farmers market at their website.
