Identify bank account & responsible party
A bank account separate from your market business account. An EIN or SSN is required.

Become a SNAP Authorized Retailer
Apply through USDA for FNS Authorization. Process usually takes 4-6 weeks.

Scrips & Tokens
Issue wooden/plastic tokens or printed/digital coupons to facilitate SNAP sales.

Choose your Equipment & Check Connectivity
Decide on point-of-sale equipment (marketlink); ensure good internet connection.

Set Up an Accounting System
Organize a system for tracking SNAP transactions & vendor redemption.

Marketing
Order supplies such as signs and banners. Ensure your customers know where they can swipe their SNAP card. Plan ahead for language translations.

Recruit & Train Vendors
Get your team on board & train them on the how & why of market SNAP programs.

Promotion
Share with your community! Try social media, local groups, signs and word of mouth!

Hire & Train Staff
SNAP/EBT booth management needs compassion, consistency, and organization.

Sustainability & Evaluation
Create a plan to evaluate and ensure program longevity.

Nutrition Incentive Fund Tracking System
Track your Double Up funding to ensure you maintain a healthy bank account, set funding goals, show program impact, & report back results to stakeholders. Track all the token types you reimburse to vendors with a secure customer ID system.

Regular and Ongoing Evaluation
Complete regular evaluation on program operations as well as customer and vendor experience. Consider questions like: How many people use the program? How much funding is disbursed on average per market? How impactful is the program on shoppers? Share results with market vendors, potential funders, and community members.

Timing and Organization
Start asking for sponsorships and soliciting funding 4-6 months prior to your market start date. Create systems for easy donating: online portals, sharing where the check should be mailed, etc. directly in your ask letters.

Multiple Funding Streams
While the state Double Up Food Bucks may be able to fund some of your program, diverse sources of funding contribute to sustainable program success.

Ongoing Funding
Create a long-term plan for soliciting funds for your program: consider grants, creating sponsorship levels, partnering with a non-profit, local food co-op, local health department, or food access organizations.

Clarify: Initial SNAP purchase can always go towards any SNAP-eligible item, it is only the incentives (or the doubled amount) that are limited to Fruits and Vegetables.

Have one-on-one conversations with meat and dairy vendors that you are concerned may feel left out from this funding stream. Listen to their concerns and provide follow-up.

Emphasize the funding sustainability gained by having a regular stream of financial support and how it takes the pressure off market managers/board members to chase funding.

Emphasize funding increase by switching to Double Up Food Bucks Wisconsin, all programs will start with a $20 matching amount.

Provide examples from other programs in Wisconsin, such as Dane County Double Dollars, which sustained its success across 8 farmers markets when switching from a SNAP incentive to a fruit and vegetable incentive in 2024.

Share further data and research if vendors show interest.

Clearly explain: Initial SNAP purchase can always go towards any SNAP-eligible item, it is only the incentives (or the doubled amount) that are limited to fruits and vegetables.

Show examples of your market’s tokens, scrip or paper coupons used in each transaction when educating, doing promotional videos, or creating brochures/handouts.

Treat all customers with respect. Make your farmers market a place where all peoplecan shop without judgment or needing to explain themselves.

Emphasize savvy shopping by giving recipe ideas, pointing out what’s new at the market this week, or who might have bulk discount deals due to in season produce.

Be open to feedback, and provide opportunities for shoppers to share their experiences and suggest improvements.

Share additional resources and opportunities such as recipes, tours, tasting events, etc.