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You are here: Home > Food Stamp Program > Contact Information
Food Stamp Program

Retailers Can Call Toll Free 1-877-823-4369 to Request a Retailer Application Package

Any retailer that would like to accept food stamp benefits (EBT) must be licensed to participate in the Food Stamp Program. You can call our toll free telephone number at 1-877-823-4369 to have an application package mailed to you. Customers who want an easy, 24-hour a day, 7 days a week, access to request an application to become an authorized retailer in the Food Stamp Program can take advantage of this service.

If I call the 877 (toll free) number, what can I expect?

If you call between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) you will speak to one of our representatives who will process your request for an application package. If you call after hours, on the weekend, or a Federal holiday, you will reach a voice mailbox and callers will be prompted to provide information such as their name and mailing address to have an application package mailed to them on the next business day.

If I call, how long does it take to get the application package?

Customers calling the toll free number usually receive the application package within 3 business days. Trained personnel mail out the informational materials Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

What do I do once I receive the application package?

You will need to return the completed application form to the local USDA, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) field office that are provided in your application package.

How long will it take to become authorized?

The FNS field office has up to 45 days from the date they receive a completed application to approve or deny your application for a food stamp program permit. As part of the application process, you may be asked to answer additional questions regarding your application, or to provide additional documentation. Your firm may also be visited by a Food Stamp Program representative. Contact the FNS field office that is responsible for servicing your area to find out the status of your application. The FNS Field Office Cover Letter, which is part of the application package, has the telephone number and address of the FNS field office that services your area.

Important things to know:

Local Food and Nutrition Service field offices are responsible for the licensing and monitoring of retail food stores participating in the Food Stamp Program. The Food Stamp Program Application for Stores, Form FNS-252 (or the FNS-252-2, Meal Service Application), should be filled out completely and accurately, as well as signed and dated. The FNS Field Office Cover Letter provides specific information on how and where to return the completed application along with the telephone number and address of the FNS field office that will process your application request. If you have any questions regarding the application process you should contact the FNS field office that services your area for assistance. Failure to properly follow the instructions contained in the application package could result in a delay in processing your application.

The majority of applicants will be asked to provide the following documentation with a completed application:

  • Copy of one current license required to operate your business (e.g., health permit or food inspection permit; sales tax permit; sellers permit; business license; lottery license; beer or wine license; etc.). If you do not have a license, please contact your local field office.

  • Photo Identification [e.g., driver's license (front), passport, military ID] for all owners, partners, corporate officers, shareholders and their spouses, if applicable.

  • Copy of Social Security card or acceptable verification of Social Security Number (e.g., tax forms, insurance card, etc.) for all owners, partners, corporate officers, shareholders and their spouses, if applicable.

Some applicants may be required to submit additional information. Your field office will let you know if you need to submit additional paperwork.

Under no circumstances can you accept any food stamp benefits until your firm receives a food stamp permit from USDA FNS, even if you already have a retail grocery store participating in the Food Stamp Program.


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