Millions of Americans, including New Yorkers, receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture could face a problem.
Next month, SNAP (also known as food stamp) beneficiaries in New York and other states may lose access to products at farmers markets. Novo Dia Group, a company that supplies mobile electronic benefits transfer (EBT) equipment at farmers markets, will stop its service by July 31.
As a result, around 1,700 farmers markets, including 243 sites in New York, will be affected by the shutdown. Novo Dia’s decision was prompted by USDA’s new plan that does not include the company.
SNAP Transaction Disruption at Farmers Markets Seems Inevitable
Two months ago, the USDA awarded a new contract to Financial Transaction Management (FTM) to provide SNAP transaction processing equipment. The company will start accepting applications for its equipment today. However, it will take the company several weeks to approve applications and distribute the equipment.
