Farmers Markets

Farmers and SNAP recipients are important to each other. SNAP recipients can use their food benefits at SNAP authorized Farmers Markets, which provides the opportunity to purchase locally grown, healthy and nutritious food while supporting the farmer and boosting the economy for that county.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) have increased efforts to inform recipients of the benefits of eating fresh and locally grown foods by asking the local DHHR office workers to inform clients they can use their EBT card to buy locally grown food at the Farmers Market.

A Farmers Market is defined as a multi-stall market at which farmer-producers sell agricultural products directly to the public at a central or fixed location, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables (but also meat products, dairy products, and/or grains).

A Direct-Market Farmer sells food grown or raised on their farm directly to consumers. Both types of businesses are eligible for FNS approval to accept SNAP benefits.

Apply to Accept SNAP

Click here to apply online with FNS to accept SNAP benefits at your farm, roadside location or Farmers Market. It is fast and secure.
The three-step process includes:

Getting a USDA account to obtain access to the online application to check the status of your submitted application.
Completing the online application, which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes; however, FNS allows up to 30 days to complete and submit the application for approval. To save time, FNS suggests you have your estimated sales data and ownership information before starting the application.
Submitting all required supporting documentation.

FNS will process your application and contact you if any additional information is needed. Once approved by FNS, the same website provides a variety of training information to assist accepting SNAP as quickly as possible.

Regulations and Required Permits

Farmers Market Coalition

SNAP at Farmers Market Fact Sheet for West Virginia
SNAP at Farmers Market Brochure

SNAP EBT Equipment Resources

Expanding access to fresh and healthy food through farmers markets and direct markets for SNAP participants is a high priority for FNS.

To help expand access and to help both markets and farmers obtain the proper equipment the following two programs are available:

FNS EBT Equipment Program

State Equipment Programs - To learn more about WV State Program Click Here.

To learn more about these programs please visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt-equipment-resources