Free SNAP/EBT Equipment for Farmers and Farmers Markets

We have good news and bad news. First the bad. Starting in the 2020 farmers market season, MMM will no longer be providing SNAP/EBT processing equipment for farmers markets to use. Now the good news: There are two programs that are offering markets free and/or low-cost equipment for SNAP processing at farmers markets. You can apply for one of the following grants. You may not be awarded both.

MarketLink

There is a USDA FNS grant available to provide access to a mobile SNAP application (Novo Dia Group’s TotilPayGo, formerly known as Mobile Market+) and a card reader. TotilPayGo is offered to direct marketing farmers and farmers markets (DMFs & FMs) with the use of the app free for one-year. The way it works is simple. Direct marketing farmers and farmers markets provide their own smart device (mobile phone or tablet), get authorized to accept SNAP benefits, set up their account with Novo Dia Group and download the TotilPayGo app, then use the card reader to process SNAP transactions. TotilPayGo is the gold standard for processing equipment and working on adding the capabilities to process other benefits such as eWIC in the future. Even if you have previously received free or subsidized equipment, you may still qualify for the program. Apply at www.marketlink.org/apply. 

Maryland DHS’s Mobile Point of Sale Equipment Program (MPOSEP)

Maryland DHS created MPOSEP to provide grants to farmers markets and individual farmers or vendors for the purchase of mobile point of sale (mPOS) equipment or a system to process SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions. This is a reimbursable grant. You will need to select and purchase the equipment and then apply for a reimbursement up to $600 for the system. You can download the guidelines and instructions here, and the grant application here. For questions, contact Joy Parker at joy.parker@maryland.gov.