Source: Paul Jones, NCDA&CS, 4/17/15


Farmers and farmers markets can learn how to accept SNAP/EBT payments at three upcoming workshops.

Three upcoming workshops will help local farmers and farmers markets learn more about MarketLink, a product from the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. The system allows farmers to accept debit and credit card payments from customers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Since 2014, MarketLink has led to $1 million in SNAP/EBT sales at local farmers markets across the nation. About 1,000 farmers and markets are already using the MarketLink equipment.

During the workshops, individual farmers and farmers markets can learn more about the program and sign up to participate.

Vendors can also qualify to receive free equipment needed to start processing SNAP payments. The events will be held at the following locations:
• Fayetteville State University School of Business and Economics Building in Fayetteville, April 22, 1 to 4 p.m. 
• Franklin County Extension Center in Louisburg, April 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Guilford County Extension Center in Greensboro, April 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Attendees are asked to bring a picture ID, Social Security card and a copy of a voided check for the bank account that they will use to deposit the funds.

For more info, click here.

If you can’t make a workshop, you can still apply to participate in the program online at www.marketlink.org.