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
95
free bikes given to youth in the community
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%
A community-informed process that aims to build a diverse, equity-focused, sustainable, and resilient food system in Illinois.
Illinois Food System Roadmap
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.
Illinois Food System Taskforce Developing Community-Driven Solutions
Less than 5% of the food we eat in Illinois is grown here—95% is imported. This means missed opportunities to support local farmers and access fresh, nutritious food.
That's why Experimental Station launched the Illinois Food System Taskforce to develop a 10-year statewide food system roadmap with input from stakeholders across Illinois.