Experimental Station entered into a strategic partnership with Wholesome Wave in 2009 with the intent of working together to increase access to affordable, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables for under-served communities. Wholesome Wave draws upon the experience and collected data of its numerous partners to advocate for changes in national food policy. In addition to policy development and advocacy, Wholesome Wave provides fundraising assistance, technical support, and data collection support to LINK Up Illinois.

The Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA) helps to promote LINK Up Illinois to Illinois farmers markets and other direct producer-to-consumer venues through email communications, conference calls and webinars. IFMA workshops provide important opportunities for EBT trainings. The IFMA will continue to provide assistance in identifying potential markets for LINK Up Illinois and advocacy for the program at the state level.

LINK Up Illinois has received enthusiastic support from Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon who recognizes the power of access and affordability in altering food choices among low-income Illinoisans. It is clear that Double Value Coupon Program incentives, spent in conjunction with providing LINK access at farmers markets, have the potential of rebuilding linkages between local food producers and low-income Illinoisans. Ultimately, over time, these linkages can result in a real transformation of local agricultural production in Illinois, as more of the $2 billion of federal funding to support Illinois' LINK program ends up in the pockets of small, local agricultural producers. Experimental Station is very pleased to help foster this transformation in Illinois.

LINK Up Illinois is generously funded by The Chicago Community Trust, The Aetna Foundation, J.R. Albert Foundation, Fresh Taste at The Chicago Community Foundation, Walter S. Mander Foundation, Wholesome Wave, and the Lumpkin Family Foundation. We thank them for making this work possible.

If you would like to help support LINK Up Illinois, please contact Connie Spreen, Experimental Station Executive Director, at connie@experimentalstation.org.