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The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers federal grants to states to support low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding and postpartum mothers, as well as infants and children under 5 who are at nutritional risk. The program provides access to supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education.
Applying to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a retailer is a simple, online process that costs you nothing. You can complete an online application in as little as 15 minutes. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is the only source that authorizes retailers – no one else. If you are a Retail Food Store or a Farmers Market, you can apply to accept SNAP benefits at your store or market locations by following the steps below. 1. Create a Login.gov account 2. Complete the SNAP Retailer Application Once you start your application, you have 30 days to complete it. If your application is not complete within 30 days, it will be deleted. You will need to submit the required supporting documents. If you own 10 or more stores, consider whether you are a Multi-Store Owner (MSO). 3. Wait for a Decision from FNS FNS will process your application and we will contact you if we need any further information. After you complete it, you can check the status of your application in real time. If you have additional questions, please call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369. You must be authorized by FNS before you can accept SNAP. You cannot accept EBT in your store until you are authorized by FNS. 4. Choose your Point of Sale (POS) Equipment All authorized SNAP retailers must use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) equipment and transaction services. Most retailers are required to purchase EBT equipment and services on their own. Exceptions: Eligible farmers markets, direct-marketing farmers, military commissaries, non-profit food buying cooperatives, group living arrangements, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and prepared meal services (other than for-profit restaurants participating in State-option restaurant programs) may continue to qualify for free EBT equipment and services until further notice. After successful authorization, you are issued a SNAP Permit, which includes the store name, store location, your name and the names of any additional owners, and the FNS Number. Use the FNS Number when you are ordering your POS equipment and when your POS device is programmed. If you already have equipment, talk to your current processor about programming it to accept EBT and to obtain cost information. A list of some available vendors for EBT equipment and services can be found on the SNAP EBT Third Party Processor List. FNS does not endorse any company. You are NOT required to select one of the companies on the list. You should review the cost of leasing or purchasing equipment and services. Then, you should make the best choice for your business. Retailers may only use manual vouchers during a system outage or disaster. Your business may currently use manual vouchers to conduct SNAP transactions. If so, and you were SNAP authorized prior to March 22, 2014 or are one of the retailer exceptions identified above, you may continue to use manual vouchers unless notified by FNS. However, you must still purchase EBT equipment and work with your EBT terminal provider regarding manual voucher supplies and processing. Other retailers may not use manual vouchers except during a system outage or disaster. Other Resources SNAP Retailer Training Materials As a SNAP retailer, you are legally responsible for your actions and the actions of everyone who works in your store, whether they are paid or not. When you applied to accept SNAP benefits, you agreed to fulfill certain training expectations. Here you can find resources that will help you to fulfill those expectations. Regulations SNAP regulations can be found at Title 7; Subtitle B; Chapter II; Subchapter C – Food Stamp and Food Distribution Program of the Code of Federal Regulations. Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 - Informational Memo Agriculture Act of 2014 Provisions 7 Code of Federal Regulations 278 7 Code of Federal Regulations 284.1 Training Guide and Videos A 20-page training guide that explains program rules, regulations, and policies. The guide also answers all frequently asked questions (FAQ) about topics such as eligible food, SNAP sales tax, manufacturer’s coupons, and your point-of-sale equipment. We strongly encourage you to review the guide with all owners and employees. SNAP Retailer Training Guide (available in multiple languages) Four videos accompany the guide: Video 1 - Authorization: explains how you can apply to accept SNAP benefits and what you can expect during the eligibility process. Video 2 - Basic Guidelines: explains how to prepare your store to accept SNAP benefits, including training requirements for everyone who works in your store, and describes how SNAP benefits can and cannot be used. Video 3 - Transactions and Payment: explains how you can obtain equipment for accepting SNAP benefits, and how you'll receive payment for a SNAP purchase. Video 4 - Information for Cashiers: provides an overview of SNAP for people who work in your store, describes the steps for a successful transaction and explains the DOs and DON'Ts. You can use the training guide and videos to help educate everyone who works in your store. SNAP Retailer Posters and Decals SNAP Fraud Poster: Best used for professional edge to edge printing; the trim size is 11"X 17" SNAP EBT Do's and Don'ts Poster Report Abuse of Benefits Poster Using SNAP Benefits Poster We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers Poster We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers Decal Important Reminders Available in multiple languages. Chip Cards are coming to SNAP EBT Do Not Extend Credit to SNAP Customers Training Expectations Dairy Stocking Requirements Do Not Traffic SNAP Benefits Only Accept SNAP Benefits for Allowable Items Do Not Buy Your Store Inventory with SNAP Benefits Protect SNAP Customers from Card Skimming at your Point-of-Sale Other Training Resources What Can SNAP Buy? What is EBT? Store Eligibility Requirements How Can I Protect SNAP?
The US Department of Agriculture provides a comprehensive guide to what SNAP/EBT is and who qualifies. In this guide, you can find information about financial requirements, work requirements, and deductions.
The USDA provides a comprehensive guide to starting a farm from the ground up. This guide includes resources for getting organized, becoming profitable, and maintaining a farming business long-term. The Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture provides a guid for building a sustainable farm: https://misa.umn.edu/publications/building-sustainable-business
The Mississippi Department of Health answers a list of frequently asked questions regarding cottage for laws. In this guide, you can learn more about what cottage food products are, where they can be made, and labeling and requirements.
Cottage food products are low-risk foods that are made in home kitchens. Cottage food is a pathway for new entrepreneurs to start small-scale food businesses from their homes. This guide contains rules and regulations for labeling and selling cottage food products in Mississippi.
Through this grant, the Rural Development department provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. Apply through the link above. Check out the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants Fact Sheet here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fact-sheet/508_RD_FS_RBS_REAP_RE.pdf
The Rural Development department promotes economic development and job creation projects through the awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas. Apply for their grant through the link above. Check out the Rural Business Development Grant Fact Sheet here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fact-sheet/508_RD_FS_RBS_RBDG.pdf
This guide from The Food Trust provides small businesses with a guide to sell healthy foods while increasing sales and attracting more customers. You can find tips on pricing, displays, and marketing. The Food Trust also provides customer service training and shop upkeep.
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