The National Grocers Association Foundation has officially launched the SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center website, according to a news release.
Funded by a grant from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, SEMTAC is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource hub, offering information and technical assistance to retailers who are either considering or currently navigating the enrollment process for the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — online purchasing pilot, the release said.
NGA says it is eager to offer guidance to navigate the challenges that grocers, particularly those in underserved areas, can experience when seeking to offer SNAP online purchasing. The challenges associated with online transactions and e-commerce technology can be particularly daunting for retailers less familiar with these platforms or the technical requirements for implementing SNAP online purchasing, the release said.
SEMTAC addresses this gap by providing retailers with access to USDA-approved resources and personalized, one-on-one technical assistance from industry experts. This hands-on approach ensures that retailers have the necessary support to successfully establish their SNAP e-commerce presence, NGA says.
“As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for SNAP retailers to have the right tools and assistance to navigate the complexities of online platforms,” Cindy Long, food and nutrition services administrator, said in the release. “The launch of this technical assistance center will provide retailers the knowledge and support they need to offer a seamless online grocery shopping experience for SNAP participants.”
In addition to supporting retailers with SNAP online purchasing, the SEMTAC website will also offer updates and technical assistance on other SNAP modernization updates as those programs become a reality, including the SNAP Mobile Payments Pilot, which will test contactless payment options, the release said.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website, which represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing valuable resources and technical assistance to get more grocers onboarded onto the SNAP online purchasing pilot,” Brielle Underwood, NGA Foundation project director, said in the release.
To learn more about the SNAP online purchasing pilot and to access valuable resources, retailers are encouraged to visit the SNAP online resources page.
For those already familiar with SNAP online purchasing and the onboarding process, SEMTAC offers customized technical support, according to the release. Retailers can request assistance by providing more information through the Get Support feature on the SEMTAC website.