Direct Marketing Farmers
Can Now Accept SNAP Online
Boost Your Customer Base and Improve Food Accessibility In
Your Community with Marketlink.
Linking farmers to families
In 2021, the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (“NAFMNP”) was awarded a Cooperative Agreement to help direct marketing farmers accept SNAP benefits online under the MarketLink program. The “SNAP Online” grant was offered to farmers during the summer of 2023 through a partnership between MarketLink, GrownBy, and WorldPay by FIS.
Eligiblity
The SNAP Online grant is available only to Direct Marketing Farmers as defined by the following USDA definition: “Individual producers of agricultural products that sell directly to the public."
This means farmers who grow or raise the majority of their own products (as opposed to buying from other suppliers) and the majority of their sales are made directly to the public by means of farmers’ markets, farm stands, U-Pick It, and/or a CSA program.
Suite of Services
One-on-one assistance with the USDA SNAP Retailer Authorization
1-year subscription to an eCommerce platform (GrownBy)
Online platform and technical service valued
at $1,500+
1-year subscription to FIS/WorldPay PIN processing services for accepting SNAP Online
Technical and
training support
On-going communication, platform maintenance, and security updates
No “per-transaction” processing fees for SNAP/EBT
Option to add integrated Credit/Debit Processing through GrownBy
Step by
STep Guide
We're here to help you through the entire process!
Once you complete step 1 and are deemed eligible, we'll be in touch to provide support for the rest of the process.
4.
Apply for USDA Internet Retailer Authorization/SNAP Online Certification*
5.
Test your farm online store with us
* Please note that the wait time to become SNAP Online certified as a farmer will take longer than usual since we are working with limited resources to submit bulk applications to USDA. Thank you for your patience and understanding as this grant involves more verifications than our SNAP equipment grant.
Pricing
Per Transaction Processing Fees
“Per-transaction” processing fees for SNAP/EBT will remain free after the grant.
Pin Processing Fees
You will be responsible for the FIS/WorldPay PIN processing fees after the grant ends. As a pilot initiative, the PIN processing fees are still to be determined. We are diligently working to secure the most favorable rates for farmers.
Credit/Debit Transactions
There are no GrownBy fees to process SNAP EBT. However, the cost of any credit/debit transactions through GrownBy is not included. The credit card transactions include a 2.9% Stripe credit card processing fee, $0.30 transaction fee, and 2% Co-op fee. However, customers are given the option to cover your fees at checkout.
Please contact GrownBy to learn more about this option.
FAQ
Still have questions? Below are answers to some common questions about the SNAP Online grant. If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just contact us!
Why is SNAP Online not available to farmers markets? FNS is prioritizing DMFs during the first phase of rollout, and we are working with them to determine future steps for farmers markets. | Is SNAP Online available to CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture)? If the farm selling the CSA shares is a SNAP Authorized Direct Marketing Farmer, their CSA program is SNAP eligible. | |
When does the free year officially start? The free year officially starts when your farm becomes authorized as an Internet Retailer. | Is there a way to add SNAP incentives onto the online store? No, but we are working on finding a solution to include all the various programs with their programmatic variations. | |
What do I need to do to maintain SNAP Online Internet Retailer (IR) Authorization? We are working with USDA to confirm these requirements. | How long will the SNAP Online grant be available? The SNAP Online grant is currently funded until September 2025. | |
Can I utilize the SNAP Online grant but use my current eCommerce provider instead of GrownBy? GrownBy is currently the only eCommerce provider that can process SNAP Online through the MarketLink program. We are working to add other providers in the future but we recommend you switch to GrownBy if you would like to utilize the MarketLink grant. Contact GrownBy or MarketLink if you would like assistance in switching your eCommerce provider. | What are the costs after the grant year finishes? The grant covers the costs for the first year. However, the costs for the SNAP Online PIN processing (provided by WorldPay/FIS), are still to be determined as it will depend on how many farmers sign up. The good news is, just as with the equipment grant, participants are welcome to cancel anytime and are not obligated to continue after the free year is up if the costs aren't feasible for your business. |
