Maine Farm Food Access Program (FFAP)

UPDATE: As of 11/16/2022, we are currently not accepting new applications for the FFAP programs at this time. Please read on for how you can apply for EBT equipment via Marketlink. If you have questions about SNAP/EBT equipment, email snap@mffm.org.

The Maine Farm Food Access Program (FFAP) was developed by Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM).

FFAP helps Maine’s direct-market farms and farmers’ markets purchase a new wireless Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) machine and offers a reimbursement for the associated fees required to process USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) transactions.

The goal of FFAP is to provide more opportunities for individuals and families to purchase local foods with their federal SNAP benefits, and to positively benefit the economy by increasing the number of farms and farmers’ markets in Maine accepting SNAP benefits.

Eligibility

Farms and Farmers' markets interested in applying for FFAP must:

  1. Meet the Maine definition of "farmers’ market or the USDA definition of "direct-market" farm.
  2. Apply for a USDA FNS Number to accept SNAP benefits with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. You can:

To Apply

UPDATE: As of 11/16/2022, we are currently not accepting new applications for the FFAP programs at this time. Please read on for how you can apply for EBT equipment via Marketlink. If you have questions about SNAP/EBT equipment, email snap@mffm.org.

Do not proceed to this section until you have received your USDA FNS Number (see above). There are two different programs that offer free EBT equipment to farmers and farmers’ markets. Please choose the appropriate fit based on the questions below:

  1. Does your farmers’ market or farm stand have access to a smartphone or smart pad to use for processing SNAP/EBT transactions?
  2. If yes, does the smartphone or smart pad have good cellular connectivity or wifi access at the location where sales will take place?

Option A - MarketLink: If you answered yes to both of these questions, your best option is to receive your EBT processing equipment via the MarketLink program. Go to MarketLink’s website to learn more and apply today. Note: MarketLink is not affiliated with ME DACF or ME DHHS.

Option B - FFAP: If you answered no to either of those questions, then email snap@mffm.org to inquire about other options and add your name to the waiting list for future free EBT equipment programs.

For additional information email us at FFAP@maine.gov.

Additional Resources

Farm Fresh Rewards LogoMaine Harvest Bucks (MHB)


Maine Farm Food Access Program Partners

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