Experimental Station has been working for the past 15 years to ensure that affordable, fresh food is available to those with limited access.

This Summer, Experimental Station stepped in when the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) was having difficulty finding a distributor for their Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides $25 coupons to low-income seniors in Chicago that can be spent on fruits, vegetables, and other eligible foods at farmers markets, farm stands, and CSA programs.

Partnering with IDHS, Experimental Station filled the gap by coordinating and organizing farmers markets across Chicago to help accept applications and distribute the coupons to seniors. Experimental Station also provided an information hotline for seniors. Besides the benefit to seniors, local produce farmers appreciated the extra sales.

Our 61st Street Farmers Market is grateful to Carrie Strahan for generously volunteering her Saturdays in August and September to help us support seniors in our community.