EBT

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) was identified as an important component of the Convergence Partnership’s strategy to improve healthy food access. The Partnership recently provided support to a joint effort led by Community Food Security Coalition and the National Farmers’ Market Coalition–with participation from a range of diverse stakeholders including government, regional coalitions, local leaders–to explore ways that EBT/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) usage at farmers markets can be expanded throughout the country.

The first step of the project will be to develop an analysis of the barriers to SNAP usage at farmers markets, strategies for increasing the number of farmers markets accepting SNAP benefits, and analyzing ways to increase redemption amounts.

The project will also examine ways that the federal and state administration of nutrition programs, and grant programs (ex.: the FMPP–Farmers Market Protection Program) can address the challenge of increased utilization of SNAP at farmers markets.

In addition to the key goals and features cited above, this effort also aims to:
  • Develop a national technical assistance and networking plan to build the capacity of farmers markets to accept EBT;
  • Develop a set of policy recommendations for U.S. Department of Agriculture and state agencies for enhancing usage of EBT at farmers markets; and
  • Convene a gathering of key health, farmers market reps, and anti-hunger leaders to distill vision and list of priorities for action.

To keep informed of this effort, other Convergence Partnership efforts, and the activities of our partners and the field, please sign up for the Healthy People, Healthy Places newsletter.