Did you know that you can get a free wireless POS device for your farmers’ market or roadside stand that accepts SNAP EBT, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express cards? The Iowa HHS Wireless EBT Project was created to increase access to farm-fresh, local food for low-income Iowans while making it easier for qualified direct-marketing farmers to sell their produce to a wider customer base. Read on for more information about how you can benefit from this program!

It's easier than ever to accept SNAP EBT cards

The Iowa HHS Wireless EBT Project has made it easier than ever to accept SNAP EBT cards at farmers markets or other point of sale. There are no charges for EBT transactions and your first EBT point-of-sale device is free.

Credit card charges are as follows:

Step-by-Step Process to Join the Wireless EBT Project for Vendors

Step 1: Become certified by the USDA to accept EBT

First, complete the online application at www.fns.usda.gov

• To begin the application, choose the STORE option first.
• On the first page of the application, the bottom question reads:
  “Is your business a delivery route, farm stand/stall/u-pick, military commissary/exchange or a specialty food store that primarily sells one food type such as meat/poultry, seafood, bread, or fruits/vegetables?"
• Choose Yes and then Direct Marketing Farmer.
• Make sure to download and submit a copy of the signature page, driver's license, and social security cards for all owners.

If you have any questions as you are filling out your application, you can call the USDA Help Desk at 1-877-823-4369.

Step 2: Complete Remaining Paperwork

• Once approved, you will receive the HHS Addendum for Wireless EBT Project via email and a 7-Digit FSN Number.
• Sign and return that paperwork to Belinda Silvernail at [email protected] along with a copy of a voided check.
  • Note: This will be the bank account that is tied to your wireless machine.

Step 3: Phone call with CBE/GoEBT

Once your documentation is received, the IHHS will set up a time for CDE/GoEBT to call you. They will help you fill out the application for a POS machine.

Make sure to prepare answers to the following questions prior to this call:

1. Contact information – name, phone number and email address.
2. Ownership type – Sole proprietor, partnership, LLC or etc.
3. Ownership information – including address and date of birth of the owner.
4. Business legal name – this needs to be what you file your taxes under. If you file with your SS# then you can just put none in this space.
5. DBA ‘doing business as’ – what do you call your farmers markets business.
6. FNS # - 7-digit number assigned by the USDA.
7. Business Address – address of business.
8. Business License State – Iowa.
9. Business Start Date – the date you started your business. Sales data like average monthly volume; average ticket amount and a high-ticket amount.

Step 4: Receive your POS device in the mail!

An Iowa HHS representative will call you to complete a training session over the phone.