OUR PROGRAMS
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61st Street Farmers Market
Offers the freshest locally grown fruits, vegetables, and produce to Woodlawn and surrounding neighborhoods. We also provide food education to children and adults.
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Blackstone Bicycle Works
Supports and engages youth from Chicago’s South Side through bicycle education. Youth develop problem-solving, leadership, and life skills through STEM concepts.
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Link Up Illinois
Provides access and affordability to farm-fresh fruits and vegetables by doubling the value of Link purchases at farmers markets, grocery and corner stores in Illinois.
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Chicago Farmers Markets Link Access
In partnership with Chicago’s Department of Cultural and Special Events, we provide SNAP/Link services at the city’s farmers markets.
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Arts & Events
We support South Side artists of color and provide space for arts and cultural events that are free and open to the public.
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Small Business Incubation
We provide discounted long-term rental space and resources to mission-aligned local businesses and journalism institutions.
What is new?
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![2025 INCREASING FOOD ACCESS REPORT]()
2025 INCREASING FOOD ACCESS REPORT
IS AVAILABLE NOW!
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OUR 2025 IMPACT
CHECK OUT OUR NEWSLETTER TO EXPLORE THE STORIES AND IMPACT BEHIND OUR WORK.
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ILLINOIS FOOD SYSTEM ROADMAP PHASE I REPORT
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2024 FOOD ACCESS REPORT
Check out our work on Strengthening the Illinois Food System.
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IL FOOD SYSTEM ROADMAP
Join us to build a local, sustainable, resilient Illinois foodshed. We need you!
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FEB 27: SOUNDS LIKE JAZZ '25
This year, the Roaring '20s return for a can't-miss experience curated by Sam Thousand.
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DEC 3: GIVING TUESDAY
Your support for Experimental Station will make an impact on this giving season.
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2024 Newsletter
Read the stories of our programs and the youth and communities we work with!
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SEPT 28: SOUTHSIDE BIKE TOUR
AIA Chicago’s EDI Southside Urbanism Revival Bike Tour
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BUY YOUR TICKETS
Fall Fête – Community Table Brunch & Fundraiser on October 5!
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July - Aug, 2024
Blackstone Bicycle Works resume its Open Shop with Community Bike Classes.
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition
See the Greater Chicago Food Depository's website for coupon distribution info.
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MINI FOOD ACCESS REPORT
Our Brief 2023 Increasing Food Access Report is now available. Check out to learn more!
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2023 Food Access Report
It details our work to increase a healthy eating culture and rebuild Illinois’ food system.
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Free After-School Program
Our spring schedule runs through Jan 16 - June 6, Monday - Thursday, 4 - 7pm.
Stay Connected with Experimental Station
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on our programs, community impact, events, and gatherings.
Food Access | Youth Opportunity | Arts & Culture | Community
Our 2025 Impact
Experimental Station’s mission is to build independent cultural infrastructure by providing essential resources that respond to local needs. Our programs address food insecurity, strengthen Illinois’ food system, provide youth with enriching educational opportunities, foster creativity and the arts, and enhance community wellbeing.
Read our latest newsletter for more on our impact and the meaningful stories shaping our community.
Bringing fresh, healthy foods to Woodlawn and surrounding neighborhoods year-round while reducing barriers to access and offering hands-on food education.
61st Street Farmers Market
local farmers and food artisans supported
35+
2,500+
weekly customers served
local children and adults learned to grow and prepare healthy food
600+
SNAP households accessed affordable, healthy foods
300+
Empowering youth through free in-school and after-school bike education, building problem-solving and leadership skills.
Blackstone Bicycle Works
500+
South Side youth learned bike mechanic skills
400+
community members received free repair support through Open Shop
free bikes given to youth in the community
95
Making fresh foods more affordable with Link Match by doubling the value of Link (SNAP) purchases statewide.
Link Up Illinois
markets and farm stands offered Link Match
128
28
grocers and co-ops offered Link Match
in fruits and vegetables provided year to date to Link users
$1.53+ Million
of Link Match users surveyed stated that their health has gotten better because of Link Match
75%
Illinois Food System Roadmap
A community-informed process that aims to build a diverse, equity-focused, sustainable, and resilient food system in Illinois.
319
stakeholders provided their insights and input
1
Phase I report completed identifying core opportunities for an Illinois foodshed
Read our latest newsletter for more on our impact and the meaningful stories shaping our community.
