Food Access in Action: A Market Customer’s Story

“As a single mother, the Link Match program helped so much because I didn’t feel pressure to figure out what I can afford. I can still get the meals that I want without compromising my health.”

Itzel Gonzalez

As a single mother, Itzel Gonzalez needed support to care for herself and her child, so she recently applied for Link (SNAP) to help stretch her food budget. When she learned that the 61st Street Farmers Market accepts Link and matches Link purchases, she was intrigued.

Since November 2024, Gonzalez and her son, Emiliano, have been shopping at the Market.

“As a single mother, the Link Match program helped so much because I didn’t feel pressure to figure out what I can afford. I can still get the meals that I want without compromising my health,” said Gonzalez. 

Gonzalez appreciates that Link Match allows her to support local businesses while buying higher-quality ingredients than those at the supermarket.

“I definitely am eating more vegetables. The cherry tomatoes–I don’t even need to put ranch on them! They are so good. I’m addicted to the melons too. It made me feel relieved that I didn’t need to cut my budget for myself and my family to eat healthy.”

Food isn’t the only reason Gonzalez and her son visit the Market. They also enjoy the community and the connections they’ve built there.

“He loves the Market!” said Gonzalez. 

“We love the activities! They are very family-oriented. Emiliano loves to color at the kids’ station. One time, there was an organization [Chicago Grows Food] helping people grow plants, and she helped me a lot. There’s so much you can do with herbs!”

The story of Itzel Gonzalez and her son reflects what the 61st Street Farmers Market strives for—supporting learning, affordability, and the everyday joy of eating well.