Accepting SNAP EBT and Encouraging SNAP purchases at your Farm or Farmers Market Presented by: Jheanell West EBT Coordinator- SNAP Program Integrity Branch Debbie Crosby Program Specialist 2/17/2017

Agenda NERO SNAP in Farmers Markets Benefits of Sign-Up Days Steps of Setting up a SNAP Program Free Equipment Things to Remember SNAP Retailer Authorization Requirements Government Operated Federal Non-Profit Organization Other Non-Profit (LLC) Markets with market manager Publicity Summary Questions 2/17/2017

NERO SNAP in Farmers Market

Benefits of Sign-Up Days Enable more SNAP participants to shop at markets; increasing their access to fresh/local fruits and vegetables Support local farmers/markets through simplified application process Help markets and farmers grow their business Support local economies/communities 2/17/2017

Steps to Setting up a SNAP Program Designate which individual/s will be responsible for EBT at the farmers’ market and where the terminal will be hosted. Apply to the USDA for an FNS number. Email Contact:Debbie.crosby@fns.usda.gov Approval for an FNS # means that the market is an authorized SNAP retailer. 2/17/2017

Free Equipment Who’s Eligible? What’s Covered? Where Do I Apply? SNAP-authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers that: Do not currently possess functioning SNAP EBT equipment; OR Currently possess functioning SNAP EBT equipment, but received that equipment before May 2, 2012. What’s Covered? FMC will cover the costs of purchasing or renting SNAP EBT equipment and services. Where Do I Apply? Visit FMCtoolbox.org to fill out the online application. 2/17/2017

Things to Remember If not bundled with the device, choose a service provider, and set up the logistics (bank accounts for transferring funds, etc…). Set up an accounting system to track EBT payments (and credit/debit) as well as incentives redeemed.   Consider offering an incentive program of some kind to attract and support low-income shoppers. Connect with your local public health organization(s), SNAP Educators, and other entities working on issues of food access / insecurity to promote your market’s new SNAP and incentive program throughout the season. Plan ahead for promotion and outreach activities. 2/17/2017

USDA Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) SNAP Retailer Authorization Requirements 2/17/2017

Government Owned/Operated/Sponsored Letter from the city/town that they are operating the farmers market. We like a Photo id (driver’s license) of that city official but it isn’t mandatory. Copy of IRS Tax Exemption for the city/town. City/town official to sign the application/reauthorization. 2/17/2017

501(C)3 Federal Non-profit Organization Executive Director or Corporate Officer of the Nonprofit must sign the application or re-authorization. Copy of the IRS 501(C)3 Determination Letter. Photo ID (Driver’s License) Letter from the Non-Profit organization indicating operator/sponsor of the market. 2/17/2017

Other Non-profit Organization (state filing) and/or privately owned/operated LLC Application must be signed by the organization or owner or corporate officer. Photo ID and SSN verification are required. Verification of responsible party for the market. 2/17/2017

Markets that are a loose association of farmers that have a market manager only running the market for them: Application signed by the market manager Photo ID and SSN verification A letter from the Market manager 2/17/2017

Publicity Inform FNS and FMC when you have a sign-up day Jheanell.West@fns.usda.gov Jen@farmersmarketcoalition.org Collaborate and promote through local and State partnerships Publicize to local media using article/flyer and photo Utilize social media 2/17/2017

Summary Get Approved Choose a Service Provider Receive Equipment Report 2/17/2017

Questions Debbie Crosby Program Specialist Debbie.Crosby@fns.usda.gov Jheanell West Program Specialist- SNAP Program Integrity Branch Jheanell.West@fns.usda.gov 2/17/2017