July 14, 2010
www.gfb.org
Vol. 28 No. 28
USDA PUBLISHES GUIDE FOR FARMERS MARKETS ACCEPTING EBT CARDS
With the use of food stamp benefits at a historic high, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a handbook on how farmers markets can accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments through the use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The guide, “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Farmers Markets: A How-To Handbook,” was published jointly by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) along with Project for Public Spaces, Inc. It makes the case for farmers markets accepting SNAP benefits, outlines how to install EBT systems and how to use paper scrip and token projects, how to become a FNS SNAP retailer, what equipment is required and how to make the use of the EBT machines successful. “It is important for people throughout the country to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and by promoting SNAP EBTs at farmer’s markets, we are accomplishing that goal while providing more economic opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Edward M. Avalos, Agriculture Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “This new handbook provides critical information to farmer’s market managers and spurs economic opportunities for local producers, and I encourage more markets to take advantage of using EBT machines.” According to the handbook, the total value of SNAP redemptions at farmers markets and farm stands doubled from $2 million in 2008 to $4 million in 2009. More than 1,100 farmers markets and farm stands nationwide already accept SNAP benefits. The program allows them access to an expanded customer base. In December 2009, almost 39 million Americans were utilizing the SNAP benefits. A total of $50 billion in SNAP benefit redemptions were paid in FY 2009 through more than 193,000 retailers. The EBT machines, which operate in similar fashion to credit/debit payment machines used at many retail checkout counters, are available free through the state’s EBT contractor. The standard machines require access to power and a phone line and can be used in conjunction with a paper scrip or token program where the customer’s EBT card is swiped and paper vouchers or tokens are issued prior to shopping. Wireless point-ofsale EBT machines are available for lease or purchase at the expense of the market operator. To download the handbook, visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/marketingservicespublications.