SNAP Online Purchasing for Farmers and Farmers’ Markets

FNS announces, through a Request for Applications (RFA), the availability of a maximum of $4 million to be used over a maximum of four (4) years for award as cooperative agreement(s) with up to five non-profit organizations (eligible entities) to build out functionality, and provide assistance to Direct Marketing Farmers and Farmers' Markets (DMFs/FMs) to accept SNAP benefits through online transactions. This solicitation is contingent upon the availability of funds.

This webpage provides a summary of this grant competition. Please review the RFA for complete details and instructions. The RFA is now available on Grants.gov.

Purpose of the Grant

The primary goals of this grant are to increase the participation of DMFs/FMs in SNAP online purchasing, and SNAP online purchasing access to DMFs/FMs by SNAP recipients.

Grant Priorities

The grantee will use resources from this grant to:

Objective 1: Assist SNAP-authorized DMFs/FMs in becoming authorized to participate as Internet Retailers (IRs).
Objective 2: Coordinate with other FNS grantees and contracts to maximize the efficient use of funding and resources in assisting DMFs/FMs in their participation in SNAP.
Objective 3: Develop an eCommerce Platform (the “Solution”) for use by DMFs/FMs and SNAP customers to conduct SNAP online transactions.
Objective 4: Train and provide technical support for DMFs/FMs in applying for SNAP authorization as an Internet Retailer and on-going participation in SNAP.
Objective 5: Monitor progress, including achievements, milestones, and risks and issues.

Critical Dates

June 23, 2021 - Request For Application posted on Grants.gov
Aug. 23, 2021 - Applications due to Grants.gov
By Sept. 30, 2021 - Grant awarded

Who May Apply

This grant competition supports efforts by nonprofit entities. A nonprofit entity is any organization or institution with IRS 501(c) status or accredited institutions of higher education, where no part of the net earnings benefit any private shareholder or individual. Nonprofit entities with experience building online purchasing platforms for technology solutions for DMFs/FMs will be given priority.

Funding and Duration

Contingent on the availability of funds, FNS plans to award a maximum of $4 million to be used over a maximum of four (4) years for this grant opportunity.