The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a safety net for approximately 43 million low-income individuals. Across the country, independent retailers are working with their local government and technology partners to support the nutritional needs of millions of low-income households.
Today more than ever, these individuals need online access to SNAP benefits as they navigate the impact of COVID-19. As an ecommerce provider, we’re working with the National Grocers Association to help independent grocery learn about how they can help bring approved SNAP items into the homes of shoppers.
Here is a step-by-step list of necessary requirements in order to begin the process of providing online purchasing to SNAP shoppers, as provided by our partners FNS and Fiserv.
1. First, make sure you are already approved as a SNAP retailer for brick-and-mortar operations.
- Confirm your eligibility here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer/eligible
- Not yet SNAP-approved? Apply for both regular and online SNAP authorization here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept
2. Once approved, fill out and send your Online SNAP Letter of Intent to sm.fn.snaponline@usda.gov.
Rosie has prepared a Letter of Intent template for its retailers to submit. Please reach out to snap@rosieapp.com or your account manager to obtain this template. Per the USDA, the letter must include:
- The FNS number of at least one store location, as well as the Corporation Number if you have multiple stores.
- A link to your website and a note that it is hosted by Rosie
- A note on what TPP solution you will using to handle secure PINs (Fiserv is currently the only approved vendor)
- The states you plan to operate in
- A final point acknowledging that Rosie will update your site to meet all SNAP requirements
3. Wait for approval and testing.
The Letter of Intent is the most important step in the process. After sending it in, your application will be reviewed and you will be able to continue the process with FNS and FISERV.
We hope this article provided guidance on next steps to participating in the Online SNAP pilot. Once the above requirements have been met, please reach out to us to begin the SNAP onboarding process.
For additional information, please visit the following FNS page : https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-requirements-provide-online-purchasing
Questions regarding SNAP online purchasing can also be directed to FNS at sm.fn.snaponline@usda.gov
