Articles > Food Security and Healthy Food Access

How to accept FoodShare (SNAP) benefits at your farmers market

Farmers markets in Wisconsin provide a critical food resource, as well as an essential opportunity for Wisconsin farmers to connect with their communities. Many farmers markets accept federal food benefits, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as FoodShare in Wisconsin.

Explore Extension resources  to get set up to accept FoodShare via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and promote their use with outreach materials.


Healthy Market Tips poster

Strategies during Covid-19

Extension, DATCP and DHS offer these best practice recommendations for farmers markets, vendors and customers to operate and interact safely during the pandemic.

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Get set up to accept SNAP benefits

Card reader to process electronic benefits transfers

Brand new to EBT? Check out this EBT Terms Glossary created by Farm2Facts.

Learn how to create a successful EBT Program or purchase the guide through the Extension Learning Store.

Watch the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) webinar on food assistance with FoodShare and WIC/Senior FMNP to learn more about accepting benefits as a farmer or at your farmers market.

It only takes 15 minutes to complete your application. Learn how to apply and accept SNAP benefits through the USDA.

Apply for a grant for free EBT equipment through the federal MarketLink program! You must be new to accepting EBT to be eligible for this grant. The previous grant opportunity offered by the State’s Department of Health Services expired in 2021.

Resources for farmers market operators and vendors

Tokens to use at Farmers Markets

Extension tips for Extending Reach of EBT in Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets Project

Check out the Extension Learning Store for more farmers market resources

Additional Resources

FoodWIse Farmers Markets – digital ad campaign increasing awareness that shoppers can use federal nutrition benefits at farmers markets (includes healthy eating info).

Nutrition Incentive Hub – resources for nutrition incentive programs (i.e. double dollars, market match, double up food bucks, produce prescription programs)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Information for Market Managers on the WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

Sample vendor agreements

Sample vendor sign

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