2023 Increasing Food Access Report
LETTER FROM
Executive Director, Experimental Station
Through the work of our Link Up Illinois, 61st Street Farmers Market, and Link Access for Chicago Farmers Markets programs, Experimental Station already envisions the potential for an agricultural transition supported by rebuilding linkages between Illinois farmers and low-income Illinoisans seeking access to fresh and healthy foods. We invite you, in reading our 2023 outcomes on the following pages, to see why we are excited. We hope that you will be excited too!
Connie Spreen, Executive Director
Link Up Illinois
In 2023, Link Up Illinois achieved a remarkable milestone: over $1.24 million in Link Match redemption across our partners' sites. This translates into a tangible impact for countless individuals and families. Through Link Up Illinois, SNAP participants can use matching vouchers (earned dollar for dollar on their current SNAP spending) to double their purchasing power for fresh produce, making healthy choices easier and more affordable.
78.4% stated that their health has gotten better because of Link Match.
77.2% of respondents indicated that Link Match has increased the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat.
“I spoke to a mother of three [who told] us that without this program her children would not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.”
— MARKET MANAGER, FARMERS MARKET OF CARBONDALE
61st Street Farmers Market
In 2023, the 61st Street Farmers Market continued to build on last year’s growth, with 6,124 more Market attendees, eight new Market vendors, 147 new customers utilizing Link benefits, and an increase of 28.5% in Link Match purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables. These trends align with the Market’s mission to support Midwest growers, educate consumers, and be available to all.
“Breaking records is a testament to consistency. The 61st Street Farmers Market is a model for curating a market for economically diverse communities with access for everyone in mind.”
— VEAH LARDE, FORTY ACRES/AUSTIN TOWN HALL MARKET
