Low income families in Illinois will soon have more options when it comes to buying fresh, healthy produce. Thanks to a federal grant, starting next year Link card users will be able to shop at several local farmer's markets. Those markets include ones in Dixon, Sterling, and Princeton. For those who use food assistance in our area, buying "farm fresh" just hasn't been an option.
"It will give an opportunity for other people that normally can't afford to buy stuff, the chance to come in and buy fresh produce instead of having to go to the grocery store and get commercially shipped produce," Dixon Vendor Robert Ennenga said.
Each market will get a wireless machine and customers will swipe their Link cards in exchange for one dollar tokens. Those tokens can then be used to buy fruits and veggies. Johnni Gonzalez said while he doesn't have a Link card, he knows many people that rely on one just to make ends meet.
"I have a lot of friends and family members that do because it saves a lot of money and helps a lot of people," Gonzalez said.
Both vendors and shoppers said by accepting Link card, that will lead to higher sales and healthier lifestyles.
"A lot of us, this is our livelihood, so they can come down here with their Link card, we're helping feed them, give them healthy foods, and they're helping us by providing us with a living," said Beth Cook, a vendor with Panda Grove Farms.
A total of 41 farmer's markets in Illinois received the $1,200 grant. Meanwhile, dozens of other markets are already using link card machines.
