1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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 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

5. 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.

6. SNAP Authorization
Online Application:
First, set up an eAuthentication address and password so that you can log in to the application. They will send you a confirmation , 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

7. 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

8. 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