LINK/EBT/SNAP Information
The Logan Square Farmers Market (LSqFM) is certified by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to accept the Illinois Link Card AKA EBT and SNAP! The Logan Square Chamber of Commerce (LSCC) will process SNAP/EBT on behalf of all vendors at the LSqFM Chamber Booths at each entrance. * Please note, the Whipple Avenue entrance closes at 2:00pm.
We accept three Food Access programs
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EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) is accepted at the LSqFM. Transactions are processed by the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce (LSCC).
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This program is also known as the, "Double Match Program" or "Link Up Program," and is organized by Link Up Illinois.
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Link purchases are matched dollar-for-dollar for fresh fruits and vegetables. You can not purchase Prepared Foods with this program. At the LSqFM, we match up to $25 per cardholder per market day and visitors receive their coupons at the time of the EBT transaction. The program will run until October 31st or until grant funds are exhausted.
WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
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Eligible WIC and Senior participants receive FMNP checks from WIC or Senior programs. Those checks can be spent directly with participating farmers who sell FMNP-approved food, which are fresh fruits and vegetables and honey for seniors.
How to shop with LINK/EBT/SNAP
1. At one of our entrances you will be able to purchase tickets at the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce booth, these tokens can be used throughout the market
2. From there you can enter the market and shop at eligible vendor booths
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All eligible vendors will have a sign posted in the front of their booths for customers to recognize.
SNAP-Approved Food Examples:
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Fruits and vegetables
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Meat, poultry, and fish
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Dairy products
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Breads and cereals
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Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
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Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat
Non-SNAP-Approved Food Examples:
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Prepared Foods fit for immediate consumption
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Hot foods
How to obtain/shop with LINK match coupons
1. How do I obtain Link Match Coupons? Make your way to the Chamber Booth to process your EBT transaction:
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Link/SNAP participants will receive up to $25 Link Match coupons per cardholder per market day when you are making purchases using your EBT.
2. Shopping: Redeem your Link Match Coupon with vendors who sell fresh fruits and vegetables!
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Coupons expire on December 31, 2023. Coupons are not valid for non-fruits and vegetables. The coupon can be used at other farmer's markets as well.
Link Up Illinois Approved Foods:
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
Non-Link Up Illinois Approved Foods:
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All foods that are not fresh fruits and vegetables
How to shop with WIC and Senior FMNP
1. Ask the vendor if they accept FMNP
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Unlike other food access programs, FMNP is a direct food assistance program between customers and participating farmers.
2. Spend it for FMNP-approved food
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Spend your check before the end of the season with vendors!
FMNP Approved Foods:
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Fresh fruits
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Fresh vegetables
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Cut herbs
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Honey (Senior FMNP only)
Non-FMNP Approved Food Examples:
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Bread and cereal
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Dairy products
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Meat
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Live plants
Resources for Food Access Programs
USDA - Food and Nutrition Services
SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
EBT - Electronic Benefits Transfer
WIC FMNP - Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Senior FMNP - Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois Food Access and Programs
Illinois Link Card at Farmers Markets
Link Up Illinois