The Wolf administration on Monday reminded farmers of a grant providing free wireless equipment to those who would like to accept SNAP funds but lack the technology to do so.
The Wolf administration on Monday reminded farmers of a grant opportunity providing free wireless equipment to market operators and direct-marketing farmers who would like to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds but lack the proper technology.
Devices are available at no cost from a federal grant awarded to the Department of Human Services to support access to fresh, healthy food for SNAP recipients, as well as Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy. Pennsylvania received a grant in 2019 from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to expand the use of SNAP at farmers markets throughout the commonwealth.
To receive the equipment, interested vendors must apply to be an authorized SNAP retailer through FNS. Once authorized to accept SNAP, vendors can contact Pennsylvania’s electronic benefit transfer provider at 1-888-736-6328 to request free wireless EBT processing equipment. These grants also cover set-up costs and one year of SNAP transaction fees.
“As Pennsylvania navigates the public health crisis, this grant allows farmers markets and farmers who sell their products directly to expand their customer base and provide more options for SNAP recipients across the commonwealth,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller.
SNAP helps more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians ensure their household has enough food, the administration said. Inadequate food and chronic nutrient deficiencies lead to increased risks of chronic disease, higher chances of hospitalization, poorer overall health and increased health care costs. Children who have enough to eat go on to have higher graduation rates, increased adult earnings and improved health outcomes in their adult life. Older adults who are enrolled in SNAP are healthier, hospitalized less and less likely to enter a nursing home.
As the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wolf administration said access to essential needs like food is more important than ever to help keep people healthy and mitigate additional health risks.
SNAP also supports more than 10,000 authorized retailers participating in the program across Pennsylvania. These retailers processed approximately $2.6 billion in SNAP benefits in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These funds directly support Pennsylvania’s food retailers and farmers growing and producing agricultural products.
"This is an opportunity for farmers to reach a new market, during a time when preexisting markets have been so volatile, and put nutritious foods into the hands of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable,” said state Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “I encourage all farmers market operators and farmers selling direct to consumers to apply to be a SNAP retailer to create a new revenue stream and give Pennsylvanians in need more options to find fresh, local food.”
Pennsylvanians can apply for SNAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us.
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