The article announces that NDG will go out of business July 31st, effectively ending their MarketLink program and terminating service to their customers. 1,700 farmers markets and farmers use MarketLink’s MobileMarket+ app to accept SNAP, many of whom were promised service for up to three years through the SNAP EBT Equipment Program.
FMC was contracted with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to administer the SNAP EBT Equipment Program from 2015 until November of last year. After the program’s contract was put through the government’s standard competitive bid process, a new contractor, Financial Transaction Management (FTM), was selected to take over the program in April. While various factors are attributed to the company’s shutdown, FTM’s decision not to include NDG as an equipment provider for the program has impacted the group’s ability to sustain operations. FTM’s equipment program has yet to begin accepting applications, and information about when it will begin and what it will offer has not been made public.
FMC is working to share information and explore solutions to avoid an interruption in service with an eye towards long term solutions. If you are an FMC member and MarketLink user and have additional questions about how this situation will impact your market, contact FMC Program Associate Emma Hansen at emma@farmersmarketcoalition.org or 888-362-8177 ext. 705.