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Farmers Markets
Quick Hit
by Michael Sandler
11:58am
Wed Jul 25, 2012

Increased Link Acceptance At Farmers' Markets Creates Windfall For Local Farms & Credit Card Users

A federal grant could double the number of Illinois farmers markets that accept electronic payments, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced Tuesday.

During a conference call, Simon said 41 Illinois farmers markets will each receive $1,200 from the Illinois Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Wireless Project. The money comes from a $4 million initiative by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use at farmers markets.

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Quick Hit
by Michael Sandler
2:29pm
Tue Jul 3, 2012
1 comment

Link Access At Illinois Farmers Markets To Go Wireless

A $182,000 federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture could provide up to 150 Illinois farmers’ markets with free wireless machines that accept debit, credit and Link cards.

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Wireless Project is aiming to expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Illinois’ low-income residents. Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon originally announced the plan, and Simon’s spokeswoman Kathryn Phillips told Progress Illinois that farmers markets must apply for the grant by July 9 (go here to apply). Illinois’ wireless EBT project is part of a $4 million nationwide effort by the United States Department of Agriculture to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use at farmers’ markets.

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