Link Up Illinois Official

🚨ACT NOW to make sure you don't lose SNAP benefits🚨 As of February 1st, Illinois lost its waiver for reporting work requirements and changes to work requirements went into effect. SNAP recipients have 3 "strike" months to be not in complience, so we expect to see folks who have not updated their information with IDHS to begin losing benefits May 1st. Visit SaveOurSNAP.org for full details on SNAP changes and call IDHS for assistance at 1-800-843-6154 1) Update your information with IDHS 2) Review work requirements and exemptions 3) Tell your family and friends to do the same #SaveOurSNAP

The 2026 Link Match grant is open! Apply by March 1st to be included in promotional materials, however we accept applications at any time of the year. With Link Match, SNAP shoppers receive $1 for fresh fruits and vegetables with every $1 they spend. That's twice as much food sold by you / your vendors and twice the healthy foods going into your community. This application is open to farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, CSAs and delivery services with FNS authorization. For assistance obtaining FNS, visit marketlink.org. They are the experts at helping markets obtain FNS authorization and can get you free equipment and software for 1 year. Beyond the grant, our team provides the fundamental tools you need including: training, data organization, promotional materials and marketing assistance to help you bring Link Match to your community. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions! #iheartillinoisfarmersmarkets #farmersmarketweek #lovemymarket #snapbenefits #linkupil #linkmatchil #foodaccess #chicagofood #illinoisfood #illinoisfarmersmarket #ilfarmersmarkets #shoplocalillinois #lovemymarket #chicagofarmersmarket #illinoiswinter #chicagowinter #winterinchicago

If you or someone you know has a SNAP card, Link Match helps stretch your food budget and bring home more fresh, healthy food. Here’s how it works at 150+ locations across Illinois—including farmers markets, food co-ops, neighborhood grocers, and select regional grocery stores: 🥕 At farmers markets: For every $1 you spend with your SNAP card, you get a $1 Link Match voucher—doubling your money for fresh fruits and vegetables. You can use the green vouchers at any of the 125 participating markets, farm stands, CSAs, mobile markets, and delivery services. 🛒 At grocery stores and co-ops: Link Match is available at 26 brick-and-mortar locations. Each store runs differently with daily limits of $5, $10, or $25. Vouchers can only be used at the store where they’re issued. ✅ No sign-up required. Just shop with your SNAP card, get your Link Match, and enjoy more nutritious food for you and your family. Learn more and find participating locations: 🔗 linkupil.org 📞 773-241-6044 ext. 2 📧 [email protected] 📲 Follow @linkupil on Instagram and Facebook for updates

The 2025 Increasing Food Access Report is now available. This report marks 18 years of Experimental Station building healthier communities through food access, education, and systems change. This work is only possible thanks to our dedicated team, partners, collaborators, supporters, vendors, educators, volunteers, and community members across Illinois. Check out the impact of Link Up Illinois and the 61st Street Farmers Market in the full 2025 Increasing Food Access Report at expstation.org/2025foodaccess ❤️

Showing up and using my voice for what matters. With SNAP changes starting May 1st, too many Illinoisans risk losing benefits simply because they don’t have the information. I’ve been working alongside the Greater Chicago Food Depository—raising awareness, doing PSAs, and helping connect communities to real resources. Because access to food is a human right. If you or someone you know needs help understanding the new requirements, reach out to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Let’s keep spreading the word. #SaveOurSNAP #FoodAccess #Illinois #CommunityImpact

🌟Last indoor market 🌟to get you through until June @jefferson_park_sunday_market is THIS Sunday! Grab your early spring favs and look for the "We Link Match" at @vargobrotherferments table to shop with your SNAP card! 💵Spend $1 on SNAP, get $1 on us for additional fruits and vegetables Find them at the Gateway Theatre / Copernicus Center this Sunday 10AM - 2PM! #iheartillinoisfarmersmarkets #farmersmarketweek #lovemymarket #snapbenefits #linkupil #linkmatchil #foodaccess #chicagofood #illinoisfood #illinoisfarmersmarket #ilfarmersmarkets #shoplocalillinois #lovemymarket #chicagofarmersmarket #illinoiswinter #chicagowinter #winterinchicago #jeffersonparkchicago

🚨ACT NOW to make sure you don't lose SNAP benefits🚨 As of February 1st, Illinois lost its waiver for reporting work requirements and changes to work requirements went into effect. SNAP recipients have 3 "strike" months to be not in complience, so we expect to see folks who have not updated their information with IDHS to begin losing benefits May 1st. Visit SaveOurSNAP.org for full details on SNAP changes and call IDHS for assistance at 1-800-843-6154 1) Update your information with IDHS 2) Review work requirements and exemptions 3) Tell your family and friends to do the same #SaveOurSNAP

Summer market season is almost here, but the lucky residents of Sterling, Illinois can access fresh farm goodness @twincitymarket year round!! 🤩 Find them at 106 Avenue A, Sterling, IL every Saturday from 8am - noon. Outdoor vendor will be added in May for even more warm season variety. When you spend $1 on SNAP at Twin City Farmers Market, you get $1 Link Match to buy additional fruits and vegetables. That's double your money to shop local 💵🌱 #iheartillinoisfarmersmarkets #farmersmarketweek #lovemymarket #snapbenefits #linkupil #linkmatchil #foodaccess #illinoisfood #illinoisfarmersmarket #ilfarmersmarkets #shoplocalillinois #lovemymarket #illinoiswinter #northernillinois #northernil #sterlingillinois #RockFallsIL #rockriveril

Wonder Farm Earth is proud to announce that we are now able to offer Link Match to our valued customers thanks to @linkupil . In addition to processing SNAP/EBT transactions and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks the Link Match program allows you to double your benefits when purchasing fresh produce. Here’s how it works: For every $1 you spend on food using your SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an additional $1 to spend on more fresh fruits, vegetables, or food-producing plants with Link Match.  Our participation in this program is part of our ongoing commitment to making food accessible to everyone. Come visit us at the last Wonder Lake Winter Market this Saturday, April 11th from 10am-1pm at the Wonder Lake MPOA and take advantage of this incredible program! Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the market!  Stay fresh, stay healthy, and stay positive! Remember we can find the helpers if we look for them! #wonderfarmearth #linkupil #snapebt #fmnp #makemrrogersproud

@plantchicagonfp monthly market is a little different each time you go, and that's what makes it special. Hosted at Southside Social​ each Mercado has a themed swap and unique skill share offerings. Come shop from local and sustainable businesses February-April on the 2nd Saturday from 10am-2pm. NEXT MERCADO is this Saturday!! They'll have a seedling sale for your spring gardens 🌱 Shop with your SNAP card and get $1 Link Match voucher for every $1 you spend. Link Match vouchers can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Video credit: spectacular Plant volunteer Maggie, thanks ☺️☺️ #iheartillinoisfarmersmarkets #farmersmarketweek #lovemymarket #snapbenefits #linkupil #linkmatchil #foodaccess #chicagofood #illinoisfood #illinoisfarmersmarket #ilfarmersmarkets #shoplocalillinois #lovemymarket #chicagofarmersmarket #illinoiswinter #chicagowinter #winterinchicago

🚨IMPORTANT 🚨 Take action now so you do not lose your SNAP benefits! New work requirements are in effect as of February 1st -- April is the last month in the "3 strike" period to update your work status or file for exemption. 1) Update your information with IDHS 2) Review work requirements and exemptions 3) Tell your family and friends to do the same Visit saveoursnap.org to learn more and see if you are affected by the changes. #SaveOurSNAP If you are in Chicago, you can request a call with @fooddepository to learn more!

🎟️ FAB Night is coming—don’t miss it! FAB Night brings together leaders in food justice, bicycle advocacy, and the arts for an evening of conversation, connection, and community. Join us for this special night celebrating the intersections of food, art, and bikes—and the people shaping these movements across Chicago. ✨ Meet our incredible host and speakers: • Jamie Kalven — Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist & founder of @invisibleinstitute Invisible Institute (Host) • Greg Wade — James Beard–winning baker, @publicanqualitybread • Lional “Brother El” Freeman @thebrothernamedel — Composer, multidisciplinary creative & DJ • Dave Simmons — Executive Director, @rideillinois • Ben Jaffe — Co-owner of Earthlore Farm and Chapter Coordinator, Northern Illinois Young Farmers Coalition • Danielle McKinnie — @major_taylor_cycling_club & Southside Critical Mass @sscritmass Enjoy a curated three-course meal by award-winning chef Constance Simms-Kincaid, and hear stories and insights from leaders advancing food justice, biking, and culture in our city. Why attend? Your support helps advance food access, youth opportunities, and arts and community enrichment through the 61st Street Farmers Market, Link Up Illinois, Blackstone Bicycle Works, cultural events, and independent journalism. 📅 April 30 | 6–9 PM 📍 Experimental Station 🎟️ Tickets available now — link in bio. /fabnight