ILFMA Blog

   By the end of July Nova Dia will no longer allow SNAP processing on its MarketLink Mobile Market Plus app. Click here for a recent article in the Chicago Tribune.    Only 16 farmers markets accepting SNAP/Link in Illinois will be affected by this change. Most markets are using a standard SNAP/EBT wireless machine and not  an Iphone/…

Summer is finally here! Farmers Markets have opened in most communities. If you are not sure what’s in season yet, go to; www.whatsinseasonapp.com and check out what fresh produce is available by your zip code, and find a farmer or a farmer market close by and buy it! I can’t get enough strawberries when they…

  Please join and help us grow the farmers market community! As a part of our membership drive, we’ve been spotlighting the good work of markets in Illinois.  Next up? Land Connection’s Champaign Farmers Market. Meet Market Manager, Sarah Simeziane, of The Land Connection’s Champaign Farmers Market and learn how they have been able to…

Check out the recipe for Good Ole Minestrone, in Natural Awakenings Chicago, written by ILFMA Executive Director, Janie Maxwell Good Ole Minestrone Hits the Spot for Comfort Food “One of the first recipes I made for a crowd was minestrone soup from the More with Less Cookbook,” says Janie Maxwell. “I still look at recipes…

By Maggie Nykaza, ILFMA Grant Specialist and Social Media Guru Is there anything better than tasting the first fruits of the season? Food lovers, rejoice! Summer is here and that means the growing season is in full swing in Illinois. Farmers markets are once again popping up all across the land! If you’re thinking of…

Increase Sales! Idea Sharing and Networking! Collaborate together to meet challenges and seize opportunities! Be inspired! Boost your SNAP/Link sales! Expansive Winter Farmers Market! 26 Vendors! Prepare for a great 2017 Season! We hope to see you there!  

2016 was the most successful season for Urbana’s Market at the Square’s SNAP program. Over $21,500 in SNAP and SNAP double value incentives were distributed during the 27-week season. Thanks to Farm Credit Illinois and LINK Up Illinois, Urbana’s Market at the Square was able to boost their outreach strategies in order to bolster a…

Urbana’s Market at the Square takes place outdoors from May through November, rain or shine in Urbana, Illinois. The Market has a very loyal customer base, even when it’s raining. So that got the Market Staff thinking, "What makes the Market so appealing? What is it that makes people come out rain or shine?" So…