SNAP Onboarding Process for Farmers and Farmers’ Markets

MarketLink is a great resource and has staff available that can answer all your questions and fill out the USDA SNAP Retailer application for you over the phone.

1. Go here to schedule a phone call with them: https://marketlink.youcanbook.me/
2. Select “SNAP Application Assistance.”
3. Select a representative (it does not matter who) and schedule a time for them to call you.
4. That’s it! They’ll walk you through the whole process.

1. Register with the USDA to accept SNAP/EBT by following the instructions here.
   • On step 1 at this link, there are three options to choose from when making an account. Select the “customer” option when setting up an account.
   • On step 2 at this link (“Complete online application”):
     • If you are a FARM (including a farm that sells at a farmers’ market):
       • Follow instructions as if you are a “Store,” not a farmers’ market.
       • When in the application of step 2, at the bottom of the “Basic Information” page, there is a question along the lines of “Are you a farm, nonprofit buying cooperative, mobile market, etc….” Select “yes,” and then in the drop-down menu that appears, select “Direct Marketing Farmer.”
       • Answer subsequent questions as though your farm is a “store”—fill in times your farm stand is open, days/times you sell at farmers’ markets, or have CSA pick-ups
     • If you are a FARMERS’ MARKET (you are a market manager applying to accept SNAP at the farmers’ market manager booth), follow instructions for a “Farmers’ Market.”
   • Complete the application to the best of your ability, and note any sections you leave blank due to questions. An FNS staff person will contact you to resolve any questions.
2. Within ten days of completing the application questions online, you will need to upload the following documentation to your application account.The documents required vary from businesse type to business type, but often include:
   • A scan of picture ID for all principal business owners
   • A scan of Social Security card for all principal business owners, or another official document that lists name and Social Security Number (e.g. the top page of the past year’s tax return – you can black out your financial data)
   • A scan of the final page of the online application, with your signature
3. Once your application is processed, you get a Food Nutrition Service number (FNS number) and are officially authorized to accept SNAP payments.

If you have questions for the USDA, contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center.

• If you are a FARMER, call 312-353-6609 and leave a message; someone should get back to you within two days. Or, email SM.FN.ROB-WC1RetReply@usda.gov.
• If you are a FARMERS’ MARKET, call 1-877-823-4369 or email farmersmarket@fns.usda.gov.Please note that it can take several days to hear back.