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Link Up Illinois Plays Vital Role in Increasing Farmers Market Access
- Bob Benenson
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Non-Profit Program Provides Financing for Markets to Double Food Benefits
Farmers markets certainly are places where people with means can stock up on delicious, healthy, sustainably produced local food. But it is always worth reminding that the vast majority of markets in Illinois and around the U.S. play a key role in expanding access to this good food by accepting — and in many cases doubling or even tripling — government benefits for those facing food insecurity.
Link Up Illinois plays a key role in these efforts in our home state of Illinois. Administered by the Experimental Station non-profit, which also runs the 61st Street Farmers Market on Chicago's South Side, Link Up finances markets' programs that increase the value of federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Illinois Link benefits.
Matthew Ruffi runs the Link Up Illinois program while also managing the Uptown Farmers Market that is open on Wednesday afternoons. He described the program's impact in an email message that we share here:
At Link Up Illinois, we’re lucky to do what we love—supporting incredible partners at farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs across the state with the Link Match program.
As spring turns into summer, Illinois farmers markets come to life with color and flavor: spring onions, crisp radishes, tart rhubarb, sun-warmed tomatoes, and ruby-red strawberries. The air fills with music, laughter, and the rich aroma of fresh produce as communities gather—families shop together, community members swap recipes, and kids snack on fruit with sticky fingers and big grins.
Beyond the delightful sights, sounds, and smells, farmers markets connect us. Each visit supports local growers, fuels small businesses, and strengthens Illinois’ economy—all while filling your basket with joy.
Link Up Illinois, a program of Experimental Station, makes the bliss of fresh, local food accessible to all by doubling the purchasing power of SNAP shoppers for fruits and vegetables. In 2024 alone, over $800,000 in Link Match dollars were spent at farmers markets and farm stands—part of the $1.47 million distributed through 26 stores and 125+ farm-direct partners.
At Link Match markets–from farm stands to sprawling markets serving thousands of shoppers–all community members are welcome to share in the abundance of summer while supporting a more equitable local food system.
We delight in empowering Illinoisans in need with more reach for fresh, healthy eats—and we’re thrilled to drive an ever-elusive win-win-win for our communities! Shoppers thrive, farmers flourish, and local economies blossom, bonded by community. A SNAP shopper shared, “Link Match lets me feel good about healthy food for my family.”
Visit a Link Match partner market this summer and swipe your SNAP EBT card at the info booth for Link Match tokens – quick, seamless, and a dollar-for-dollar lift to make your budget soar!
Join us in celebrating summer, championing farmers, and making fresh food a reality for all!
Please click the button below to learn more about Link Up Illinois and its Link Match program.
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