Payments

NAMA seeks to test SNAP payments for vending, micro markets

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September 28, 2022

The National Automatic Merchandising Association has proposed a pilot program to allow certain vending machines and micro markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments, according to a press release. The association announced plans to work with Partnership for a Healthier America to enable the convenience services industry to help underserved communities.

Current restrictions in SNAP payment acceptance limit the industry's ability to adequately serve food to insecure locations, according to the press release.

Under the proposed program, NAMA and PHA will jointly identify vending machines and micro markets in five low-income and low-access census tracts.

Once identified, PHA will ensure that all of the offerings in the machine or micro-market meet its nutritional standards and NAMA will submit them for SNAP eligibility approval to the qualifying agency.