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This page is
for retailers – owners and employees of
retail food stores. The Food Stamp
Program is administered by the USDA Food
and Nutrition Service through its
nationwide network of FNS field offices.
Local FNS field offices are responsible
for the licensing and monitoring of
retail food stores participating in the
Food Stamp Program.
Any retailer
that would like to accept food stamp
benefits (EBT) must be licensed to
participate in the Food Stamp Program.
This section provides information for
retailers who want to apply for a Food
Stamp Program permit. Today, the only
form of food stamp benefit issuance is
the
EBT—Electronic Benefits Transfer
card. EBT allows you, the retailer, to
accept food stamp payment for food using
the EBT card--a kind of debit card.
FNS has
numerous materials designed to help you
follow the Food Stamp Program rules and
regulations. Protect your business.
Learn the proper way to handle food
stamp transactions. The Retailer
Training Guide will help you learn the
Program rules and answer common
questions about the Program. You can
also find out what food items can be
sold for food stamp benefits – and what
things cannot be sold. We want you to be
successful. Know and follow the laws and
regulations, train your employees
carefully, and monitor their performance
–these are all ways in which you can
help to ensure your success in the Food
Stamp Program.
The staff of
your
local FNS field office is available
to answer your questions and advise you
on Program rules and procedures. If a
situation arises that you are not sure
how to handle, you should always contact
the FNS field office that services your
area for assistance.
Remember, it is
against the rules and regulations of the
Food Stamp Program for you to accept or
redeem any food stamp benefits until you
are authorized by USDA, FNS. Each store
location under your ownership must have
a separate Food Stamp Program permit;
you must submit a separate application
for each store that you own. If your
store changes ownership, if you move, or
if you close your store, your Food Stamp
Program permit is void. You cannot
transfer your permit to someone else.
Last updated:
07/31/2008
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