Market-Level System for SNAP/EBT Acceptance Checklist
The following checklist contains a basic list of requirements to implement a market-level system successfully.
A bank account. (Required) High sales of SNAP/EBT-eligible items. (Required)
Your market must meet one of two USDA eligibility conditions: 1) Offer for sale, on a continuous basis, at least three varieties of qualifying foods in each of four staple food groups (meat, poultry or fish; bread or cereal; fruits or vegetables; dairy products) with perishable foods in at least two of the categories or 2) at least 50 percent of total gross retail sales in SNAP-eligible staple food items. SNAP-eligible items are listed on page 11 of this guide. The capacity to obtain USDA SNAP authorization. (Required) See the USDA SNAP Webpage to begin the registration process to become an authorized vendor. Important note: this process requires that the person filing provide a Social Security Number or an Organizational Federal Identification (FID) number. Farmers markets that decide to participate in the MarketLink program are eligible for hands-on technical assistance with becoming a SNAP-authorized retailer (see page 12 for details). Funding and the ability to fundraise for ongoing program costs. For a list of program costs, see page 24, “Budgeting for Direct and Indirect Costs.” Note: often, it takes several years for markets to see high numbers of SNAP/EBT transactions. Outreach and promotion efforts are essential to increase SNAP shoppers at the market. (see page 32 for details) A Farmers Market Manager, a Food Access Coordinator, and/or someone to do accounting. Each market will need a dedicated individual to operate the SNAP/EBT equipment throughout the duration of each weekly market. Additional time is required for program outreach and for weekly accounting, which includes data collection and vendor reimbursement. Some markets hire a food access coordinator, while others are able to integrate these tasks into the roles of staff and committed volunteers. An existing or potential customer base that would pay for purchases with SNAP/EBT. Consider conducting a survey at your market and/or reaching out to your community partners, including local Departments of Social Services (the agency that issues SNAP/EBT benefits), senior centers, churches, food pantries, soup kitchens, recreation centers, community centers, schools, and aid organizations. This survey can help establish a baseline for demand as well as an estimate for potential customers and SNAP/ EBT sales.
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