Introducing Online EBT with LFM & Forage [Customer Webinar]

In this webinar, we review how LFM & Forage have teamed up to support online EBT on the LFM platform. We go over the key features and services, a short demo, timeline, and next steps!

Presenters include:
Amy McCann, CEO & Co-founder from LFM
Zoey Sloate, Merchant Operations Manager from Forage
Kate O’Neill, Strategist and SNAP Match Expert from Activate Food Arizona

This webinar was held on February 8th, 2024

Webinar Q&A Responses

We appreciate the many excellent follow-up questions. We’ve generalized themes that came up during Q&A below.

Please Note: The information shared in the webinar and Q&A outlined below is based on our experience and understanding of FNS requirements. It’s important to remember that SNAP approval can only be granted by FNS. Since SNAP Online is fairly new for FNS, we expect the approval process and requirements will continue to evolve. Thus, it is critical that all information be verified with USDA resources.

SNAP Match/DUFB

How can we incorporate physical DUFB vouchers with SNAP Online?

While the only way to generate automated SNAP match credit is through an online SNAP transaction, admins can apply existing SNAP match credit to a customer’s account via LFM’s flexible account credit feature.

Can we customize what products are eligible to use SNAP Match?

Yes. The SNAP Match attribute can be added to products in bulk by category (or subcategory).

We are in MA and our customers use HIP, does this integrate with SNAP Online yet?

No, HIP payments do not yet integrate with SNAP Online. Please see MA HIP Program information here.

We currently process SNAP payments in person and participate in DUFB. How is DUFB different when SNAP Payments are processed online? Can we manually apply DUFB credits to an order before SNAP Payments are processed?

LFM will first support a SNAP Match loyalty model where SNAP Match credit is earned on SNAP payments to be used on a future transaction toward SNAP Match eligible products. Since a customers’ PIN must be entered by the customer for every transaction that SNAP is used, it is not possible to delay the SNAP payment to give the merchant time to manually apply a DUFB credit prior to the SNAP payment being processed when an order is placed online.

How can I be sure the SNAP Match Loyalty Credit program meets the requirements of my state’s SNAP Match program?

Please invite your SNAP Match Administrator to our TA provider session on March 5. We will discuss how it works and answer their questions!

What limits are available on the SNAP Match credits generated?

LFM will support a transaction maximum (limiting total generated on any single transaction) as well as a daily maximum (limiting total generated in any single day across multiple orders). These will be settings available once Online SNAP is added to your site.

Store Types

How can I be sure the SNAP Match Loyalty Credit program meets the requirements of my state’s SNAP Match program?

Please invite your SNAP Match Administrator to our TA provider session on March 5. We will discuss how it works and answer their questions!

We aren’t a SNAP retailer yet. Can we apply as an Online Retailer Store Type?

Yes, if you only accept sales online (you don’t accept any sales in-person, cash or credit card) you can apply as an Online-Only Retailer Store Type. While FNS is continuing to work out many details around this path forward, you can enter the approval process as an Online-Only Retailer.

Please note that this is intended for businesses that only transact online. If you accept sales in person, you will need to first become a SNAP Retailer under another Store Type.

Our FNS Store Type is Farmers Market. What are my options for accepting SNAP Online?

Farmers Market Store Types are currently not authorized by USDA to participate in accepting SNAP Online. Visit the FNS website to see store eligibility requirements.

We aren’t sure what FNS Store Type we have. How do we find out?

You can reach out to the SNAP Online Purchasing Team at SM.FN@snaponline.gov. Be sure to include your business name, business address, and FNS number in the email.

Inventory Requirements

Can you tell me more about inventory stocking requirements?

Per FNS in-store SNAP requirements, all authorized SNAP retailers are required to have certain stocking requirements and offer a certain range of products. This varies based on Store Type. If you have questions about your inventory, Store Type, and how this impacts your eligibility to become a SNAP online retailer, reach out to FNS at SM.FN.snaponline@usda.gov.

Business Models

We are a Direct Marketing Farmer Store Type and offer a CSA and want to expand access to more locations. What are our options?

Recurring transactions are not supported by Online SNAP because customers need to enter their pin for every transaction. One approach is to set up a “CSA” box on their storefront that can be purchased by customers using Online SNAP. Customers will need to purchase the box each time they want to receive the CSA box.

We are currently a Farmers Market Store Type. How can we get help strategizing a business model to add a new store type that makes us eligible for Online SNAP?

Creating new innovative business models that meet Online SNAP requirements and fit into farmers markets and other similar businesses will take time and collaboration. LFM customers can connect in our Community Forum. In addition, the Farmers Market Coalition has an active listserv of farmers market managers

What changes to my business model are required for Online SNAP?

To accept Online SNAP, you first must accept in-store SNAP and be approved as one of the eligible Store Types.

MarketLink is a USDA-funded organization that gives free technical assistance and guidance on the in-store SNAP application, and can answer specific questions you have around your business model and how it relates to in-store SNAP and Online SNAP. You can schedule a call with them here: https://marketlink.youcanbook.me/

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Next Steps

Review FAQs on LFM's Online SNAP page

Click here to visit our resource page and review the FAQ, key features, and other details on how to stay up-to-date on Online SNAP through LFM.

Fill out an Interest Form

Fill out this interest form and we will be in touch to schedule a one-on-one call.

If your organization is already a SNAP retailer, please be sure you know your SNAP store type. If you aren’t sure what type of SNAP store you have, you can reach out to FNS at SM.FN@snaponline.gov.

Already filled it out? We have been in touch with all LFM customers that have completed interest forms, so there is no need to fill it out again unless you have not heard back from us already.

Connect with your state's SNAP Match administrator to review the model (if applicable)

If you will be participating in SNAP Match, it’s important to connect with your state’s SNAP Match administrator to review the model and see how they can best support you.