Accepting SNAP EBT and Encouraging SNAP purchases at

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 1 2/17/2017

Agenda O O O O 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 2

NERO SNAP in Farmers Market 3

Benefits of Sign-Up Days O Enable more SNAP participants to shop at markets; increasing their access to fresh/local fruits and vegetables O Support local farmers/markets through simplified application process O Help markets and farmers grow their business O Support local economies/communities 2/17/2017 4

Steps to Setting up a SNAP Program O Designate which individual/s will be responsible for EBT at the farmers’ market and where the terminal will be hosted. O Apply to the USDA for an FNS number. Email Contact: Debbie. crosby@fns. usda. gov OApproval for an FNS # means that the market is an authorized SNAP retailer. 2/17/2017 5

Free Equipment O Who’s Eligible? Ø SNAP-authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers that: Ø Do not currently possess functioning SNAP EBT equipment; OR Ø Currently possess functioning SNAP EBT equipment, but received that equipment before May 2, 2012. O What’s Covered? Ø FMC will cover the costs of purchasing or renting SNAP EBT equipment and services. O Where Do I Apply? Ø Visit FMCtoolbox. org to fill out the online application. 2/17/2017 6

Things to Remember O If not bundled with the device, choose a service provider, and set up the logistics (bank accounts for transferring funds, etc…). O Set up an accounting system to track EBT payments (and credit/debit) as well as incentives redeemed. O Consider offering an incentive program of some kind to attract and support low-income shoppers. O 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. O Plan ahead for promotion and outreach activities. 2/17/2017 7

USDA Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) SNAP Retailer Authorization Requirements 2/17/2017 8

Government Owned/Operated/Sponsored O Copy of IRS Tax Exemption for the city/town. O Letter from the city/town that they are operating the farmers market. O City/town official to sign O We like a Photo id the (driver’s license) of application/reauthorization. that city official but it isn’t mandatory. 2/17/2017 9

501(C)3 Federal Non-profit Organization O Executive Director or Corporate Officer of the Nonprofit must sign the application or reauthorization. O Copy of the IRS 501(C)3 Determination Letter. O Photo ID (Driver’s License) O Letter from the Non-Profit organization indicating operator/sponsor of the market. 2/17/2017 10

Other Non-profit Organization (state filing) and/or privately owned/operated LLC O Application must be signed by the organization or owner or corporate officer. O Photo ID and SSN verification are required. O Verification of responsible party for the market. 2/17/2017 11

Markets that are a loose association of farmers that have a market manager only running the market for them: O Application signed by the market manager O Photo ID and SSN verification O A letter from the Market manager 2/17/2017 12

Publicity O Inform FNS and FMC when you have a sign-up day Ø Jheanell. West@fns. usda. gov Ø Jen@farmersmarketcoalition. org O Collaborate and promote through local and State partnerships O Publicize to local media using article/flyer and photo O Utilize social media 2/17/2017 13

Summary O Get Approved O Choose a Service Provider O Receive Equipment O Report 2/17/2017 14

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 15