1. SNAP in Farmers Markets: State Policies and Supportive Programs
Statewide Programs Supporting SNAP in Farmers Markets
Iowa – In 2004, the Iowa Food Policy Council, commissioned by then Governor Tom Vilsack, urged the
Department of Human Services (DHS) to explore how to expand the Food Assistance Program in farmers
markets. In 2005, Iowa DHS funded the leased or rented machine fees, SNAP transaction fees and SNAP
related monthly fees for farmers in part by a regular 50/50 match on SNAP administration.
New York – Food stamp EBT programs began in 2002 by providing wireless card machines to farmers.
Sales were relatively flat due to several variables such as lack of transmission infrastructure causing
dropped signals and minimal marketing to SNAP shoppers. In 2005, the state moved towards a central
terminal system and a coordinated marketing program between state agencies, farmers market
association and community partners. Starting in 2007, sales gained momentum starting at $150,000 and
growing to $1.5 million by 2010.
Michigan- Partnering with C.S. Mott Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, and the Fair Food Network,
Michigan farmers markets are switching to a wireless electronic payment system for both the Bridge Card
(SNAP) and a double bucks reward card. The match is dollar for dollar up to $20 per day.
Massachusetts- Grants totaling $50,000 were made possible by a partnership between the Department of
Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), are for the purchase
or rental of wireless point-of-sale terminals to process SNAP benefits through the Electronic Benefits
Transfer (EBT) system. Grants also fund transaction fees, outreach programs for SNAP participants,
promotional flyers and posters, and incentives to encourage SNAP participants to use their benefits at
Massachusetts farmers' markets.
Pennsylvania- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is making 145 wireless electronic benefit
transfer (EBT) machines available for Pennsylvania farmers markets and farm stands accepting SNAP
benefits. This program does not pay for any related monthly fees.
Georgia -The Georgia Department of Human Services is participating with Wholesome Wave of Georgia
in their “Nourishing Neighborhoods” campaign to offer additional fresh fruits and vegetables to SNAP
clients shopping in farmers markets. The goal of the campaign is to provide locally grown, healthy,
sustainable foods to low income families by offering Double Value matching dollars.
Minnesota - A state Specialty Crop grant is helping the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association provide
SNAP in eight new farmers markets, bringing the total to 13 markets in all. (Star Tribune, April 30, 2011)
Strengthening farmers markets for the benefit
of farmers, consumers, and communities.

2. Wisconsin - Three Wisconsin farmers markets will be part of a two-year study measuring SNAP/Food
Stamp recipient access to healthy food. The University of Wisconsin Extension Service/USDA study will
provide these markets with the equipment and materials needed to accept SNAP/Food Stamps, known as
FoodShare in the state. (Journal Sentinel, April 26, 2011)
Legislation Supporting SNAP in Farmers Markets
Washington - SB 6483 - In 2008, the Washington State legislature passed the “Local Farms Healthy Kids
Act.” This set of new food system policies was advanced by a broad coalition representing
environmentalists, public health and school advocates, and sustainable agriculture folks. The legislation
included benefits for farmers markets, food banks, farm to school and school gardens. One piece of the
legislation provided $50,000 for the purchase of wireless technology to allow farmers market to accept
both food stamps, debit and credit cards. This Farmer Market Technology Program spawned two more
grant project with Specialty Crop grants and a three year WSU Extension research grant.
Illinois - HB 4756 - Under the directives of the act, the Illinois Department of Human Services and
Department of Agriculture will implement a program “to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables
and other LINK eligible food products, including quality meat and dairy, for all Illinois residents by
allowing LINK program participants to redeem their SNAP benefits at farmers markets. As part of this
program, a Farmers Market Technology Improvement Fund will fund: 1) The purchase or rental of
wireless point of sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits disbursed under the LINK program,
2) Monthly or transaction fees associated with LINK card transactions. No fees related to credit or debit
transactions will be reimbursed, 3) Outreach to LINK program participants.
California -AB 537 - Legislation would require farmers markets “that do not have an EBT system in place
by January 1, 2012, to designate or assign an interested Food Nutrition Service (FNS)-authorized
organization to operate an EBT acceptance system in the market, as specified. The bill would require the
State Department of Social Services to consider and solicit input from the market prior to making a
designation or assignment authorized under the bill, to avoid potential conflicts, as specified.” (California
General Assembly, 2010).
Resources
USDA Strategic Plan –
http://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2010/sp2010.pdf
Farmers Market SNAP Sales Soar in 2010 -
http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/snap-sales-soar-2010
FMC Explores Implications of IRS Electronic Payment Reporting Requirement
http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/6050w-reporting-delay
Real Food Real Choice: Connecting SNAP Recipients with Farmers Markets
http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/real-food-real-choice
FNS Funds Research to Better Understand Farmers Markets
http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/fns-funds-research
Letter to Congress RE: $4 million
http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/joinus/policy
Strengthening farmers markets for the benefit
of farmers, consumers, and communities.