SNAP benefits cannot be processed electronically with independent markets, grocers, or farms. The only approved vendors in Michigan are currently Amazon, Walmart, and few larger stores.

However, new federal legislation (“Expanding SNAP Options Act of 2020“) was introduced last month to expand online redemption of SNAP to retailers and markets of all scales. To help advocate for this bill, Taste the Local Differencehas collaborated with a community partner to create the above linked sign on letter. 

With the pandemic this year, many consumers have turned to web platforms for essential purchases, including food. Online sales have also become critical to many producers and markets in our local food system. While these systems have many benefits, one challenge operators of online local food markets have repeatedly expressed is accessibility.