Is SNAP Online Right for You?

Are You Ready?

SNAP Online can help your business reach more people in your community. To qualify, your business and your eCommerce provider must meet the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requirements. 

The following information will help you determine if SNAP Online is right for you.

Who SEMTAC Helps

SEMTAC provides support and resources to three types of retailers: 

  • Retailers who have a brick and mortar (in-store) FNS authorization to accept SNAP
  • Retailers that FNS identifies as SNAP stores
    • Grocery stores, direct marketing farmers, delivery routes, nonprofit buying co-ops
  • SNAP retailers who own the inventory they sell
    • Many farmers markets are not eligible for SNAP Online because SNAP Online retailers must own the inventory they sell
two grocers talking

Are you an online-only retailer? SEMTAC can help you understand the technical requirements and submit your Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for SNAP Online. (FNS is still determining eligibility requirements for online-only retailers.)

Questions to Ask Before Applying

If your business fits one of the descriptions above, these eight questions can help you decide:

  • Does your business currently accept SNAP benefits? If not, visit FNS's Retailer site to learn more. 
  • Do you have an operating eCommerce website?
  • Does your current eCommerce website offer a SNAP Online feature? Here’s a list of SNAP Online approved eCommerce platforms.  
  • Does your eCommerce website present your store’s offerings in an easy-to-navigate way?
  • Is there enough demand for online shopping in your community?
  • Is your pricing competitive? Can you handle the additional costs (start-up, delivery, order fulfillment, etc.)? Our tool can help you approximate your break-even number of online orders. Learn more. 
  • Can your team manage fluctuating inventory levels, online order fulfillment, and additional customer service issues?

Please note that while this information may help provide more context and understanding of the SNAP Online process, FNS and NGAF cannot speak to what is right for your business specifically.  Furthermore, FNS and NGAF do not endorse any specific price for items sold by your store, SNAP eligible or otherwise.  Each retailer’s financial situation is unique and any decisions made to accept or not accept SNAP Online are yours alone.

Ready When You Are

If you’re set to apply for SNAP Online, we can help you get started.