Jacksonville Memorial Hospital will again sponsor a program that lets shoppers use a Link card to buy food at the Jacksonville Farmers Market, which opens for the season Saturday, May 2, and runs through Oct. 31.
“The farmers market provides important access to fresh, locally grown produce that supports better overall health,” said Erika Procarione, community health worker at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. “The market offers families a fun vibe, encourages community connection and supports the local economy – it’s a win-win.”
The hospital received a Link Up Illinois grant from Experimental Station, a Chicago-based nonprofit, to double the value of Link card purchases at the farmers market. The grant is designed to increase access to fresh food for underserved people in rural communities.
Through the Link match, shoppers receive one free voucher for every $1 token they purchase, and vouchers can be used for fruits and vegetables, while tokens can be used for any edible item.
The Jacksonville Memorial Foundation also helps fund the Link card program at the market.
The Jacksonville Farmers Market is located at Pathway Plaza, 1905 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville, and is open 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 31. From May 19 to Sept. 9, the market will also be open Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. JMH colleagues will staff the Link booth during Wednesday and Saturday market hours only.