Getting Started

Resources

This is a multiple step process that requires patience. 

Basic timeline

1. Create an account with Login.gov. 
   1. This presentation walks you through the steps to create your Login.gov account: Create Your Login.Gov Account.
2. Tips to make it easier to complete the SNAP application:
   • Scan and save a copy of your drivers license
   • Scan and save a copy of your social security card
   • Scan and save a copy of a business license ($20 MN Grown works) if you have one
   • • Name each saved file with your name, e.g., "Your-Name-Drivers-License," etc.
   • Farmers' markets will need to guesstimate:
   • • average gross sales of your vendors per market day
     • your average number of vendors
     • percent that sell into the SNAP categories
   • Direct marketing farmers will need to guesstimate:
   • • gross annual sales
     • percent of foods sold in each SNAP category
3. Farmers' markets click here for your presentation: Complete a SNAP Application for Farmers' Markets.
4. Direct marketing farmers click here for your presentation: Complete a SNAP Application as a Direct Marketing Farmer.
5. Once successfully accepted by the USDA and you have your FNS number, contact Minnesota Department of Human Services to acquire your free card reader machine. Minnesota offers free wireless point of sale (POS) equipment for FNS-approved farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers in Minnesota. The equipment processes SNAP EBT benefits only and must be within range of an AT&T or Verizon cell tower. 
1. To request equipment email the following information to FarmersMarket.Equipment.DHS@state.mn.us:
   • Market/Farm Name
   • Address
   • Email
   • Phone
   • FNS #
   • Contact Name (this must be the person approved with FNS)
   • Note: Equipment must be requested by the person approved by FNS to accept SNAP benefits.
6. MN DHS connects you with FIS, the service provider who sends you the free card reader machine and provides the free transactions. FIS works with you to make sure the machines are operational.
7. Farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers now contact Jill Westfall at Hunger Solutions MN to start the process to obtain Market Bucks; and Produce Market Bucks (for produce farmers).
1. Please note: to help keep accurate data, if a direct marketing farmer who accepts SNAP also sells at a farmers' market that accepts, the farmer should use the market's SNAP system when selling at that market.
8. Both markets and farmers should access the Resources in the next column to learn the rules and eligibility for SNAP in MN.

• What Can SNAP Buy?
• What are Staple Foods?
• Prepared and Heated Foods
• Accessory Foods List
• If you have a question about the eligibility of product for purchase using SNAP benefits, read answers to popular questions in the AskUSDA system.
• Can you offer a refund for a SNAP-purchased item? (Yes)

Mobile SNAP App - Not Yet in MN

As of April 3, 2024 this program is not available in Minnesota.

NOTE: if a Farmers' market (FM) or direct marketing farmer (DMF) participates in this grant-funded program, you will not qualify for MN's free equipment and free transactions while in this grant-funded program. 

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Through a cooperative agreement with USDA FNS, the National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) is providing access to a SNAP Mobile Application (The App) by DMFs/FMs free of cost, but for one year only . The App, provided through the MarketLink program, enables DMFs/FMs to accept SNAP EBT payments on their own smart device. DMFs/FMs that maintain a minimum level of SNAP redemptions annually can continue to participate in the grant free of cost, as long as the grant is funded.

MarketLink is a program of the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (“NAFMNP”). MarketLink assists farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers with the free app-based SNAP EBT processing equipment and/or a platform to accept SNAP Online. 

Their application will determine if you are eligible for the following grants:
1.) "Equipment": the app-based equipment grant that includes: only a 1-year subscription to the SNAP point-of-sale app (TotilPay Go), 1 bluetooth card reader, and a printer exemption for in-person sales.

2.) "SNAP Online": the grant which includes:  only a 1-year subscription to an eCommerce platform (GrownBy) and PIN services (FIS/WorldPay) for accepting SNAP online. After the 1-year is up, you will need to pay for these services.