Can We Help Your Market Get VISION?
The Kansas Rural Center (KRC) is excited to share the opportunity for your market to join the Kansas Farmers Market EBT Project. Through the use of wireless technology, your market could begin accepting Vision, debit and credit cards in 2012! Although any market is welcome to apply, Kansas Rural Center has created the map below highlighting targeted counties.
KRC is offering grants to Kansas farmers markets through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA). The goal of these grants is to increase access to Kansas raised specialty crops for those participating in the Food Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps.
Grants offer a number of essential program materials and tools for eligible farmers markets including:
- Wireless Point-of-Sale (WPOS) device with the capacity to accept credit/debit/EBT cards
- Token design services
- 2000 tokens
- $500 staff stipend
- 2 seasons of monthly service and transaction fees
- Market Info Booth tent and table
- Marketing and outreach materials such as banners, signs, rack cards and media releases
- Outreach support, technical assistance and training to maximize use of this expanded sales technology
To receive this equipment and support, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and submit a complete application by the priority deadline of March 15, 2012 or the final deadline of April 2.
Application and Eligibility Requirements
To apply, please submit:
- Completed grant application available below.
- A copy of FNS Program Permit or application for FNS Retail outlet. (i.e. FNS number). An electronic application is available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/fm.htm and a paper application may be obtained by phoning 1-877-823-4369.
- A copy of signed Market Board Resolution confirming Market Manager and Board understanding of the USDA SNAP requirements. Board Chair and Market Manager signatures are required. Sample document is included in the appendix and is also available as a Word document via email.
To download a publication, click on the cover image.
Bringing EBT to your Farmers Market: The 2012 Kansas Farmers Market EBT Expansion Project
Mercedes Taylor-Puckett, Kansas Rural Center
This guide is an outcome of Kansas Farmers Market EBT Demonstration (2006) and Expansion (2009) Projects which have supported the implementation of EBT programs at ten farmers markets within Kansas. This manual will take you through the steps of setting up an EBT program at your farmers market from start to finish. Additionally, there are sample forms and ideas for materials to use at your market.
This guide provides your market with the information necessary to apply for one of six Kansas Farmers Market EBT Project Grants.
16 pgs, 1000 kb, PDF
2012 Kansas Farmers Market EBT Grant Application
Kansas Rural Center
This fillable PDF form is the application a market must submit to become eligible for one of the four Kansas Farmers Market EBT grants available for the 2012 season.
Priority Application Deadline: March 15, 2012
Final Application Deadline: April 2, 2012
Grant recipients notified no later than: April 10, 2012.
Sample Board Resolution
Kansas Rural Center
This sample Board Resolution is available as a Word document. Before securing the equipment and support, organizers need to determine if the market’s size and infrastructure can support an EBT/debit/credit program over the long term. This document will assist your market’s board in determining that it has evaluated the key responsibilities and benefits of operating an EBT program. Your market will need to include a version of this Board Resolution with your grant application.
Sample Vendor Agreements
Kansas Rural Center
These Sample Vendor Agreements are available as Word documents.
Because you will be launching your program mid-season and weren’t able to incorporate EBT program information into your market guidelines, members will need to sign a Vendor Agreement. This form explains how the EBT program will operate at your market and spells out Federal Restriction on Food Assistance purchases. Two versions are available:
Sample Vendor Agreement for EBT Program–Food Assistance and Debit Cards
Sample Vendor Agreement for EBT Program–Food Assistance, Debit and Credit Cards
The Kansas Rural Center is coordinating the Farmers Market EBT Project to assist farmers markets and community partners in setting up and promoting SNAP EBT access to fresh fruits and vegetables at Kansas farmers markets. The project is funded in part by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, through the USDA AMS Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. For more information about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program), call 1-877-847-3663.
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