Section 2
Planning and SNAP Transactions Offering a CSA cost-offset program and accepting SNAP benefits can increase your customer base while breaking social and economic barriers to provide lower income families with an affordable option for accessing fresh, local produce. Having the ability to accept EBT is necessary. References and guides to assist farmers to become authorized to accept SNAP benefits are available.
Two useful references that provide guidance for farmers trying to figure out how to accept SNAP/EBT payments and learn how SNAP rules apply to CSA farms— Becoming an Authorized SNAP Retailer –
Guide for Farm Stands and CSAs www.buylocalfood.org/upload/resource/ EBTandCSAGuide.pdf
The CSA Farmer’s Nationwide Guide to
Accepting SNAP/EBT Payments https://youtu.be/7mj8cfyqeDA
Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM) To support farmers with CSA transactions and stay connected with customers, customer relationship management (CRM) software is available. CRM helps track and manage customer orders and interactions, and ultimately increase sales. Farm to Family SNAP CSA project used CSAware® (https://www.csaware.com/) in the first year of the project; then switched to Farmigo® (https://www.farmigo.com/) in year two thru four. CSA software can either make life much easier or cause more frustration, depending on the platform you choose. Factors for consideration when selecting a CSA Management software include: Easy to learn and use (designed for small
businesses).
Mobile-phone compatible. Manage
and sort customers along the pipeline from "lead" to established customer.
Organize all information and interactions with
customer in one place.
Integration with email marketing tool. Integrate
with social media effectiveness and potential leads.
Farm to Family SNAP CSA staff were consistent in their effort to convey that there was no difference in status between the cost-offset CSA and full-pay members. CSA boxes were packed on the morning of delivery, with all boxes, depending on size, containing the same produce and quantities, based on availability. Pick-up sites were selected by the customer at the time they signed-up from locations that were culturally sensitive.
23
to
monitor
Cost – one time investment vs. recurring costs,
like monthly fees.
