Title

SNAP at Farmers Markets

(FN2257 April 2025)
File
Publication File:
Lead Author
Lead Author:
Jan Stankiewicz, MS, MPH cert. Community Health and Nutrition Specialist
Availability
Availability:
Web only
Publication Sections

Table of Contents

SNAP Basics

  • SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • SNAP is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of individuals and families with limited resources.
  • SNAP provides economic benefits to communities.
  • In North Dakota, the Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) administers SNAP.
  • EBT (electronic benefits transfer) is the electronic system that allows SNAP participant to use issued debit cards to purchase food.
  • EBT offers no change and no overdraws.
  • EBT benefits can be used to purchase food items that are meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

SNAP Eligible

  • Breads, grains, cereals
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, fish, poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Canned goods
  • Honey, jams, jellies
  • Food to be taken home for preparation
  • Plants and seeds that produce food
  • Herbs

Not SNAP Eligible

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco
  • Non-food items (pet food, paper products, soaps/detergents, diapers, hygiene products)
  • Vitamins/supplements
  • Foods for immediate consumption
  • Hot foods

Why SNAP at Farmers Markets?

Health Outcomes:

  • Increased access to fruits and vegetables correlates with increased consumption of them
  • Most of the U.S. does not consume enough fruits and vegetables to promote health
  • SNAP audiences tend to have higher rates of chronic disease

Local Economy:

  • Every dollar spent through SNAP equals
    $1.50 in economic activity
  • Around 48,700 North Dakota residents use SNAP
  • Of those, 66% have children
  • An average $191 per household is distributed monthly

Local Farmers:

  • Around $9.2 million in SNAP benefits were distributed monthly in North Dakota in 2024
  • In 2024, $11,129 of SNAP benefits were spent at farmers markets
  • SNAP acceptance can expand local producers’ customer base

SNAP Authorization

1. Create an USDA account at
www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer/apply-to-accept

2. Complete the online application within the
30-day time limit

3. Submit supporting documents

4. Check application status (may take up to 45 days), then receive SNAP license if approved — keep FNS number

What You Will Need:

  • Physical location
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Opening date
  • Market operation hours
  • Sales information
  • Types of food sold
  • Ownership type
  • Employer ID number
  • Responsible official

Required Documents:

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security Card of responsible official
  • EIN
  • Business license
    (if applicable)
  • IRS determination letter
    (if non-profit)
  • Letter stating government entity ownership
    (if applicable)

Reauthorization:

  • Done every 5 years
  • Via mail from Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) with unique ID number

Fees:

  • Equipment and service fees vary
  • Transaction fees are $0.10–$0.30 per transaction
    • Fees cannot be passed on to SNAP customer

Reporting:

  • Keep separate bank account for market
  • Securely store all receipts and batch reports
  • Account for tokens/scrip as you do money
  • There is no sales tax on SNAP transactions
  • Update FNS of any market changes
    • Location/mailing address
    • Responsible official

* Regulations are subject to change — always check with USDA FNS

Logistics and Operation

Receipt/Scrip System

  • Purchase goods from vendor
  • Swipe EBT card at market booth
  • Take receipt to the vendor in exchange for goods
  • Vendor turns in receipts for reimbursement

Token System

  • Swipe EBT card at market booth for SNAP tokens
  • Use SNAP tokens to purchase goods
    at vendor booth
  • Vendor turns in tokens for reimbursement

Each market selects which system is most suitable for market.

Best Practices

  • Market is responsible for reimbursing all vendors, tracking reimbursements and reporting SNAP sales
  • Market should train all vendors on SNAP
  • Market organizers should train all market managers/staff
  • All eligible vendors accept SNAP
  • Vendor is responsible for turning in all tokens/receipts and tracking their own sales
  • Vendor agreements should be put in
    place regarding SNAP
  • Vendors should price by whole dollar amount
  • All marketing materials should be updated to advertise acceptance of SNAP
  • Signs should be posted at each market booth
  • Strengthen community partnerships to maximize outreach
  • Partnering with NDSU Extension Family Nutrition Program can provide nutrition education