EBT AT FAITH-BASED PRODUCE STAND SITES

Accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as CalFresh, EBT or “Food Stamps”) can ensure that low-income families have regular access to fresh healthy produce at your faith group’s produce stand. Utilize this decision tree to help determine how to incorporate EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) into your faith group’s produce stand project.

EBT AT FAITH BASED DROP SITES

Accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as CalFresh, EBT or “Food Stamps”) can ensure that low-income families have regular access to fresh healthy produce at your faith group’s CSA Drop Site. Utilize this decision tree to help determine how to incorporate EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) into your faith group’s CSA project.

USING VOUCHERS FOR EBT REDEMPTION

 There are two ways to accept SNAP/EBT: with a POS device or paper vouchers. Utilize this decision tree to learn how to use paper vouchers for EBT redemption.

GOVERNMENT NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Several government nutrition assistance programs are available to help low-income families, individuals and seniors put food on the table. However, these programs are often underutilized locally and many eligible participants do not enroll. Program benefits can be used to purchase fresh, sustainably-grown produce from local farmers, which improves the environment, the local economy and community member health.

Congregations can integrate SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerl known as “food stamps”) promotion into regular activities like a weekly reception after services or special events. Promoting SNAP enrollment assists low-income families in securing nutritious food.  It is another way to care for community members in need.  

The “Faith-Based Group’s Guide to Facilitating SNAP Enrollment” fact sheet provides ideas of the roles congregations can have in helping community members access this resource including how to host a SNAP enrollment event.

ENGAGING YOUTH GROUPS IN FOOD PROJECTS

Many high school students need to fulfill community service hours and, when applying to college, it is advantageous to have leadership experience working with your community and learning new skills. Besides the professional development, these food programs are fun and a great reason to get outside.

Your youth group can get involved in sustainable food projects by: making local and organic food more affordable and accessible to low-income communities, learn what gleaning is (and doing it!), visiting local farms, working in and/or starting a garden, and more!
 
The “Youth Groups” fact sheet has many options for projects related to food and agriculture. You will notice many
“Spotlights” about projects going on at local congregations with really cool models that you can learn from
to start your own. If you are interested in any of these projects, you contact us and we will be happy to connect you with a project leader at that congregation.