EBT, Credit Card and Other Payment Types Accepted By Ice Cream Trucks

Yes, ice cream trucks can accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) as a form of payment as long as it meets all the stipulated criteria.

Truth be told, EBT benefits can be utilized to pay for food items especially those that are prepared at home; however, it is important to clarify that there are restrictions on using them for hot foods or foods that will have to be consumed immediately.

Keep in mind that a good number of ice cream truck items are eligible as snack foods that can be bought with EBT, as long as the truck is fully fitted with the essential technology to handle EBT transactions.

Steps and Criteria for an Ice Cream Truck to Accept EBT Payments

1. Authorization by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

This is the first step for any ice cream truck that intends to accept EBT. The truck as well as its operator will have to take the necessary steps to become authorized by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.

This can entail applying for and obtaining a permit. The FNS handles everything that has to do with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and only retailers legally permitted by the FNS are allowed to accept SNAP benefits via EBT.

2. Application Process

To apply to be legally permitted to accept EBT, the ice cream truck operator will have to obtain and complete the FNS application via the USDA’s website or by submitting a paper application.

You will be expected to make available all necessary information especially those that have to do with the business. This will more or less include:

• Business name and address (or a description of the operating area if mobile)
• Type of business (in this particular scenario, a mobile food vendor)
• Owner information
• Inventory details, describing details of sales that stem from SNAP-eligible food items.

3. SNAP-Eligible Food Items

For an Ice cream truck to be considered qualified to receive and process EBT, it will need to be primarily selling SNAP-eligible items. Note that SNAP benefits are meant to pay for food items that can be prepared and eaten at home.

Although hot foods or foods meant to be eaten immediately are not qualified, a good number of items ice cream trucks sell, like packaged ice cream and other snack items, are eligible.

4. Point-of-Sale (POS) Equipment

To be able to accept and process EBT transactions, the ice cream truck will have to invest in the necessary technology. This can include purchasing a Point-of-Sale (POS) device that can read EBT cards.

Make sure that the devices can also differentiate between SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items, making sure you are in line with SNAP regulations.

5. Compliance with Regulations

Immediately you are legally allowed to process EBT transactions, it is also important you work towards complying with all SNAP regulations. This includes:

• Making sure that only SNAP-eligible items are bought using EBT benefits.
• Maintaining adequate and clear records of EBT transactions.
• Ensure you don’t charge sales tax on SNAP-eligible items.
• Carrying out periodic reviews and audits by the FNS to guarantee compliance.

6. Training

It is also important you ensure that both operators and employees of the ice cream truck are adequately trained on how to make efficient use of the EBT POS equipment as well as the regulations governing SNAP transactions.

Ideally, the FNS is known to make available training materials and resources to ensure that businesses can stay in line with these requirements.

7. Displaying the EBT Signage

Keep in mind that once the ice cream truck is legally permitted to accept and process EBT, it will have to display the EBT sign in a place that is visible to all approaching the truck. This works to let customers know that they can make use of their SNAP benefits to buy eligible items from the truck.

What Other Payment Types Do Ice Cream Trucks Accept?

In times past, these businesses were renowned for operating cash-only businesses, but today, they are beginning to offer a wide range of payment methods to ensure they can cater to various customer preferences. Nevertheless, below are some notable payment types that ice cream trucks are known to accept:

• Cash
• Credit and Debit Cards
• Mobile Payment Apps, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Venmo, PayPal
• Prepaid Cards and Gift Cards
• Contactless Payments, such as RFID-enabled cards and Near Field Communication (NFC) payments through smartphones or smartwatches.
• Loyalty Programs, where customers can earn points or rewards that can be redeemed for free or discounted items.