Experimental Station once again partnered with the City of Chicago to provide Link/SNAP services at the City’s farmers markets. Since 2010, Experimental Station has hired seasonal staff to offer onsite Link services and to administer the program, enabling Link recipients to access the foods sold at the City’s markets. This year, our experienced staff served seven City markets including Daley Plaza, Division Street, Austin Town Hall, Bronzeville, Pullman, West Humboldt Park, and the Mercado De Colores market (new this year).

With the help of CTA and CBS-TV advertising, as of September, 2022 has seen significant increases in Link sales, as well as an 25% increase in Link Match redemptions over last year—despite serving fewer markets. With Link Match, customers purchasing foods with Link benefits receive double the value of their Link purchase to buy fresh produce. That translates into almost $40,000 worth of free locally grown carrots, spinach, potatoes, beets, collards, onions, peppers, tomatoes...