Xanna Prentice, SNAP Technical Support Fresh Access Bucks Setting up a SNAP/EBT Program for Direct-marketing Farmers (produce stands, farm stores, CSAs) Xanna Prentice, SNAP Technical Support Fresh Access Bucks

Seeds and plants which produce food Meats, fish and poultry SNAP-eligible items Dairy products Breads and cereals Fruits and vegetables Seeds and plants which produce food

Are you a Direct-marketing farmer? Farmer-producers that sell their own agricultural products directly to the general public. Includes fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and grains.

Business bank account Equipment and a merchant services contract Sometimes EBT capabilities can be added to an existing credit/debit card system The Farmer’s Market Coalition has funded a FREE EQUIPMENT program in the past As of Nov. 22, 2017 this program is on hold - please check www.fmctoolbox.com for updates in 2018 Staff training Rules of SNAP purchases How to run EBT cards Management of program (1-3 hrs/wk) Accounting Promotion Nutrition education Financial Although you may already accept credit and debit cards, there is still possible cost involved with accepting SNAP

Responsible Official Must ensure that all stakeholders adhere to SNAP laws, regulations, and policies. If any stake-holder commits a program violation, both the farm and the Responsible Official will be held accountable, and may face disqualification and/or monetary penalties.

SNAP Authorization Online Application: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-apply First, set up an eAuthentication email address and password so that you can log in to the application. They will send you a confirmation email, then you must go back to the original page and scroll down to Step 3: Complete the Online Application Log in. When it asks Store or Farmer’s Market, choose Store. In the Basic Information section, at the bottom under “Store Type,” you will select “Direct Marketing Farmer” Next are questions about ownership type: Government-owned, Partnership, LLC, Publicly owned Corporation, Privately-held Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship (most likely choice). You will need to have information gathered - EIN, SS number, or letters describing ownership, depending on the type. Following this will be questions about sales, inventory, and other supplemental information. Any additional documentation required will need to be provided once application is submitted: Certification & Signature statement, Social Security card copies, letters detailing IRS determination or government ownership, and/or a business license, if one is available Following submission, you will be assigned an FNS number

Implementing your program A successful program requires a strong SNAP-customer base, so be prepared to: Reach out to rural and under-served communities Promote your farm’s SNAP program through social media, radio, newspaper, television, or public transit advertisements Provide nutrition education and information to SNAP customers Consider offering a CSA share to SNAP customers (if you don’t already do so!), as this is a great way for people to spend their SNAP dollars and receive a variety of foods to eat from your farm

FAB Once your SNAP program is up and running, consider applying for FOG’s Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) program Incentive program which increases the purchasing power of SNAP by doubling the tokens customers receive to spend at your farm on fruits and vegetables Funds available for your farm to run this program and expand to increase those served Currently 37 FAB market partners in Florida Application & more information located at www.freshaccessbucks.com