USDA to Host Roundtable for SNAP Retailers on EBT Modernization

The virtual roundtable will be October 10 and is open to SNAP retailers and stakeholders.

September 24, 2024

USDA Food & Nutrition Service is seeking input from SNAP retailers in an upcoming roundtable on efforts to modernize the program by transitioning EBT cards to chip cards. The virtual roundtable will be on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT. All are welcome and attendees can register online to participate in the roundtable.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards allow cardholders to access their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase eligible food items at authorized retail stores, such as convenience or grocery stores. Over the last few years, news reports about skimming and fraud on EBT cards has garnered the attention of policymakers. In response, USDA has been overseeing efforts to modernize EBT cards to include chip technology as a measure to protect benefits.

Currently, California and Oklahoma are the only two states with active plans to transition their EBT cards to chip. However, it is likely that other states will be soon to follow, and all SNAP retailers should start preparing for the transition now. The EBT Modernization Roundtable will give SNAP retailers the opportunity to discuss directly with USDA officials the challenges they may face in updating their payment systems to accept EBT chip cards. NACS encourages SNAP retailers to participate.

SNAP EBT Modernization Virtual Roundtable:

  • When: Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT via Microsoft Teams
  • How to register: Click here to submit your registration.
  • Topic: EBT chip card implementation with the following sub-topics:
    • Preparing for EBT chip card rollout
    • Readiness stakeholders and strategies
    • Education and training
  • Attendees: SNAP Retailers
  • What to bring: Thoughts, experiences, information and insights to support the discussion.
  • Please note: Once you register for the session, an invitation and agenda will be delivered.
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