What is Link Match?

Link Match is a nutrition incentive program administered by Link Up Illinois, a program of Experimental Station. We work with farmers markets, grocery stores, food co-ops, farms stands and more to increase the buying power of Illinois SNAP recipients while encouraging the purchase of healthy foods.

When SNAP customers spend $1 on their SNAP card, they receive a $1 Link Match voucher to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

For the participating market or store, we provide funding, comprehensive training, marketing materials, and ongoing administrative support to help them bring this incentive to their communities

Link Match History

Smiling elderly woman at an outdoor market holding multiple green flyers in one hand and a blue bag in the other, with tents and people in the background.

Link Up Illinois Program Survey Results 2024

Surveys were conducted at Link Match participating locations and evaluated by the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Survey respondents were all current Link card holders.

Line art illustration of a purple question mark integrated with a headset outline.

93.5%

of survey respondents rated their experience with Link Match as positive or very positive.

Colorful word 'STAYCATION' with various letters in different colors and styles on a black background.

95.9%

of survey respondents stated that Link Match was important or extremely important to their decision on how to spend their SNAP benefits.

Sustainable agriculture infographic with green outline of a plant and text highlighting eco-friendly farming practices.

79.5%

of respondents indicated that Link Match has increased the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat.

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75%

stated that their health has gotten better because of Link Match.

Why Link Match is Important

Rantoul, Illinois hosts an Air Force base decommissioned in ‘93, and its closure took a toll on the local economy. Since founding the market 9 years ago, Jasmyne and Kelly have been extraordinarily committed to providing accessible fresh foods and economic opportunities for Rantoul

Jasmyne Boyce, co-founder of Rantoul Farmers Market shares her perspective.

“[Link Match] has done tremendous things for our growth. It’s emotional for me to talk about because it is such a needed service here in our community in Rantoul, Illinois. The entire zipcode of 61866 needs this service”

Kankakee Farmers Market has steadily served it’s community for 20+ years. The market prioritizes community accessibility. Located right behind the public library on the bus route, the market has easy parking and a small fleet of shopping carts for market shoppers!

Maureen from Hardin’s Family Farm shares what Link Match means to her brother’s farm and the community.

“I think [Link Match] is a great program. It gets fresh fruits and vegetables into people’s hands that normally would not be able to afford them… It’s kind of a food desert here to be honest, so yeah. It’s wonderful.”