SNAP Farmers’ Markets

Why Accept SNAP? Keep dollars circulating in the local economy $5 in benefits generates $9 in economic activity Increase access to locally grown, healthy, nutritious food Help clients produce their own food

What is a Farmers’ Market? Farmers Market: Two or more producers that sell their own agricultural products directly to the general public at a fixed location. Direct Marketing Farmers: Individual producer that sells their own agricultural products directly to the general public. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): 14 day limit

Market Eligibility Offer for sale, on a continuous basis, at least three varieties of qualifying foods in each of the following four staple food groups, with perishable foods in at least two of the categories:   - meat, poultry or fish   - bread or cereal - vegetables or fruits   - dairy products   OR   More than 50% of the total dollar amount of all retail sales (food, nonfood, gas and services) sold in the store must be from the sale of eligible staple foods

Application Process Set up a USDA eAuthentication account Get your market listed in the Agricultural Marketing Service Directory Fill out an application online or on paper

The Online Application Separate application for farmers’ markets Online Application Must mail additional documents to FNS ID, SS Card, business license, 501(c)(3), government ownership letter Can always call the help line or check the status of application online

Application Tips Market Opening Date 501(c)(3) letter Estimate sales data Food categories include all vendors not just agricultural

FNS Expectations Designate a Responsible Official to ensure the market adheres to applicable laws; FNS regulations, policies, and other guidance; and who will be held accountable in the event the market does not do so. Design token or scrip system which is difficult to counterfeit Provide appropriate training to all vendors about redemption rules and procedures

Farmers’ Market Coalition Eligible for free equipment if you don’t currently possess functioning equipment or your equipment was received before May 2, 2012 Covers cost of purchasing or renting equipment and service fees for up to 3 years Vendor options are MarketLink, MerchantSource and TSYS FMC Equipment Guide

2012 FNS Equipment Grant Distributed directly to states Covers equipment and service fees for up to 3 years Expires September 30, 2016 Must not have been authorized before November 18, 2011 More equipment options but less guidance

Choosing an Equipment Vendor Compare at least 3 different companies Will you also need credit and debit card service? Buying vs leasing equipment Contract Requirements: early termination, equipment repair, required insurance… Seasonal downtime Transaction fees and monthly fees FNS Equipment Vendor Guidance

FNS Grants Farmers’ Market SNAP Support Grant Farmers’ Market Equipment Grant Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grant Many additional federal grants available outside of FNS

FNS Assistance Retailer Operations Division Help Line 1-877-823-4369 Mountain Plains Farmers’ Market Coordinator Zora Cobb 303-844-4416 zora.cobb@fns.usda.gov

Resources FNS Farmers' Market Page FNS Farmers’ Market Handbook Farmers’ Market Coalition USDA Grants

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