Check out the following two new videos to help farmers and markets learn how to apply to accept Link/SNAP cards
Receipt process – http://youtu.be/hXL2iXeeNTM
Token process- http://youtu.be/yjZWqSajs-Y
Here is a brochure of the Farmers Markets that accepted SNAP EBT in 2014. (It will be revised for 2015) Click the following link SNAPbro-4panel (9)
There are now two new Programs in Illinois that are providing EBT wireless technology to Farmers and Farmers’ Markets to enable acceptance of Link/SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) The goal of both programs is to increase the number of farmers and markets participating in the Link/SNAP program.
- Providing this equipment to Farmers and Farmers Markets provides the following benefits:
- Increasing access to healthy and nutritious food for Link/SNAP participants,
- Aiding farmers by expanding their customer base to include Link/SNAP recipients,
- Injecting vigor into our local economies, and in addition, successful implementation and outcomes could lead to additional funding resources to sustain the program on a long term basis.
Here are the two state options:
1.) Illinois Link EBT-only Wireless Option
The Department of Human Service’s Illinois Link contractor, Xerox, is now providing a free wireless POS terminal to farmers’ markets and direct marketing farmers who have their FNS certification, average $100 per month in Link transactions, and use the wireless POS terminal only for Link/EBT transactions. Under this option, the free POS machine cannot be used for debit or credit.
Xerox will provide one free POS terminal per farmers market or direct marketing farm vendor, and reimburse fees for POS terminal setup, SNAP wireless fees, EBT transaction fees, and the monthly off-season service fee or reactivation fee. If you are interested in the SNAP EBT only option, please contact Susan Suchy, Illinois Link Program Director, at
Click here to see a one page fact sheet EBT-ONLY_FINAL_v1.7
2. MARKETLINK – A NEW PROGRAM PROVIDING FREE IPHONES! (Funded by USDA to the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP)
For the first time, a farmer or farmers market can complete one signup to become an authorized SNAP vendor, receive a new IPhone 5c, card reader and printer, obtain wireless services, and get a payment processing account for SNAP, debit, and credit card sales.
And most importantly, farmers will receive the lowest debit and credit card rate in the industry (1.79% + $.15/transaction) and not incur any expenses whatsoever for the first year! Provides FREE: new iPhone 5c, card reader, printer and data services from Mobile Market+TM, a merchant account from WorldPayTM for processing SNAP, debt, and credit transactions, and a nationally negotiated rate that is the lowest in the marketplace for processing credit and debit transaction, Credit and debit at 1.79% plus 15 cents per transaction. SNAP transactions processed at 15 cents per transaction. This NAFMNP rate is as much as 40% lower than what most businesses pay! Farmers and markets will avoid countless hours of aggravation selecting a wireless terminal, signing up for data plans, and qualifying for a third-party merchant processing account with many types of fees. Signup is expedited with USDA.
MarketLink offers various equipment options
There are also other organizations/businesses that provide equipment to markets. You can contact Amy Crone directly at . There are additional related options provided on the USDA/FNS Website:
Questions about The Program Contact by phone () or email
Click here for the fact sheets about the new Program ML#2 – Fact Sheet ML#9 – Q&As about program ML free equipment fees and commitments
USDA Contact for SNAP Authorization
Robin Masters represents the USDA FNS team which processes all farmers’ markets and direct market farmers’ applications. Robin is the Team-1 first point of contact. The team is very “hands on” when working with applicants.
The Team has a designated contact number for the markets and farmers – . This is an exclusive number that the Agency established in order to facilitate contact with markets/farmers.
There are several options for processing devices. The Team doesn’t promote one processing service over another. The branch specialists only let them know what their options might be including Market Link. Finally, the specialists let them know that manual vouchers are an option when devices or services are not available.
NEW!!! Use of SNAP Benefits for CSAs
In Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), consumers pay in advance for a share of a farmer’s production, allowing the farmer to raise revenue to cover expected costs prior to harvest. In return, consumers receive a share of the results, such as a box of fresh vegetables each week. Because payment is made in advance of the receipt of food, CSA shares have not been an allowable purchase under SNAP. A new proposed conference agreement would allow CSA operations to become authorized retailers and redeem SNAP benefits. USDA will be providing additional information as it becomes available. .
Any Other Questions? Please contact: Pat Stieren –