What is SNAP Stretch?
Here you will find an introduction on SNAP, SNAP Stretch, how the program works, and how you can get started accepting SNAP and SNAP Stretch at your market or farm stand.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and serves as the nation’s largest domestic hunger safety net. FNS works with state-level agencies and partners to inform the public of nutrition assistance opportunities, sign up beneficiaries, and ensure program integrity. To receive SNAP benefits, eligible individuals must apply through their state agency. SNAP transactions use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) technology on a swipe card similar to a debit card.
What is SNAP Stretch?
SNAP Stretch is a grant funded program organized by the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition that allows SNAP/EBT customers to double the value of their benefit dollars. When customers use their SNAP/EBT card at participating markets, retailers and farm stands, they are immediately given a match of their dollars to spend on fruits and vegetables. If a child is present it is a 2:1 match and if a senior is present it is a 3:1 match. Markets, retailers and farm stands then submit a report to be reimbursed for the distributed SNAP Stretch dollars.
Accepting SNAP and SNAP Stretch
Accepting SNAP and SNAP Stretch is an easy 4-step process.
1) Apply to accept SNAP and receive a FNS #
Ready to get started? Click here to start step 1.
Need some time? No worries! Steps are numbered on the menu drop-down.
Still have questions? Contact us at SNAPstretch@wvfoodandfarm.org.