Link Match at grocery stores: Making fresh food affordable

In March, Experimental Station launched Link Match at One Stop Foods, a local institution that has served the North Kenwood/Bronzeville neighborhood for over 53 years. 

Link Up Illinois staff worked closely with store owners to integrate Link Match into their point-of-sale system and get the program up and running. This partnership is part of Link Up Illinois’ expansion into a growing number of small and mid-size grocery stores. This effort aims to ensure that recipients of Link/SNAP benefits are better able to afford to put fruits and vegetables on their table no matter the season. 

Now, One Stop customers spending Link/SNAP benefits receive up to $5 per day in Link Match toward the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Upon learning that the store would match her purchase of canned goods, one customer excitedly placed a bag of potatoes and another of apples in her cart.

According to store manager, Thomas Kladis, thanks to Link Match, One Stop “has been able to increase the quantity of fresh produce we sell, and—because the produce moves faster—also to improve the product offerings and reduce waste.”

When asked about the program at One Stop, Matthew Ruffi, who leads the Link Up Illinois program at Experimental Station, noted, "I'm continually amazed by the program's expansion into stores like One Stop Foods, where caring and passionate leaders like Tom and his dedicated staff embrace the Link Match program." 

“This partnership is a driving force in our mission to provide good, local, and healthy food to the communities that need it most. Witnessing the immediate impact it has on our communities and individual shoppers warms my heart every time," Matthew continued.

Link Match will also be coming soon to selected Jewel-Osco, Cermak, and Pete’s Fresh Markets located in Black and Hispanic communities in and outside of Chicago.