The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recognizes that America’s farmers markets and direct marketing farmers are a great source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. FNS has made it a priority to expand access to such food for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants by providing free electronic benefit transfer (EBT) equipment necessary to process SNAP benefits to eligible farmers markets and direct marketing farmers.
Interested in Free SNAP EBT Equipment & Service?
SNAP authorized farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers are eligible for funding if you:
- Have not previously received EBT equipment through the current or former SNAP EBT Wireless Grant Program, and
- Do not currently possess functioning SNAP EBT equipment, or
- Currently possess functioning SNAP EBT equipment, but received the equipment before May 2, 2012, and
- In the case of a Direct Marketing Farmer, participate in at least one farmers market.
Benefits for Eligible FMs and DMFsmarke
Eligible farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers will have the option to choose their own SNAP approved equipment from one of the participating service providers. The costs of purchasing the equipment and services (set-up costs, monthly service fees, and wireless fees) for up to three years will be covered for eligible farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers. Transaction fees (for SNAP EBT, credit, and debit payments) will not be covered.
How to Apply for the SNAP EBT Equipment Program
Once you’ve received your SNAP Authorization Permit Number from FNS, you can start your application for free EBT equipment. Contact information, including a valid email address, FNS number, and some general information about your farm or farmers market will be required. Funding for this program is limited, and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information, please visit the wireless SNAP EBT grant program’s website: https://www.mysnapebtequipment.com/
To apply to accept EBT, please visit the following website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-apply
Editor’s Note: UD Cooperative Extension is in the process of designating people from our FCS team who will be able to assist farmers interested in applying to this program. Stay tuned for more info during Delaware Ag Week.