Good news for Illinois farmers markets, and communities

By Karin Sommer
March 22, 2010
2 comments

This post was written by Annie Lambla, MPC research assistant.

Would you like to see a farmers market in your neighborhood, or find more resources to grow your local market? Things are looking up, on both counts.

This month, the USDA announced $25 million in grants available over the next three years, including $5 million available in 2010, through the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The funds will help local governments and community organizations improve or start local markets. Apply here.

In other good news, a bill was introduced in the Illinois General Assembly (HB 4756) that would create a fund to help farmers markets buy the equipment required to process LINK cards, which are debit cards for people participating in the state’s food stamps program. This is welcome news for markets across the state, because the bill would make it easier for people with food stamps to purchase food from markets. However, more work remains to be done: The bill is getting widespread support, but it would not go into effect until July, 2011, and funding for the program is still not guaranteed. Contact your state representatives to voice your support for this bill.

Chicago’s innovative 61^st Street Market, which was featured in a Placemaking Chicago case study, is one of a few Chicago farmers markets to accept food stamps. The market’s organizers say this move has made fresh, healthy food available to even more residents in the South Side neighborhood between Hyde Park and Woodlawn, which is considered a food desert because of its lack of access to fresh food. Local consumers have not been the only ones reaping the benefits, though – accepting LINK has brought more revenue to local farmers and vendors because more local residents are able to afford their produce.

Farmers markets are exceptional examples of place-based, community builders. They bring neighbors out to inhabit the streets together, attract people from nearby communities, and instigate commercial activity for local businesses and regional farmers. In addition to the delicious food they provide, markets are sustainable and resilient economic and social networks that attract and support communities small and large.

Just think about your local market. How does it contribute to your community?

Keywords

community building, farmers market, local economic development, Placemaking, Placemaking Chicago

Comments

1. Christina Loranz from Oak Park on March 24, 2010

In addition to being a great place to meet neighbors, fill up on local and organic produce, and listen to some live bluegrass, the Oak Park farmer's market also has the best donuts in Chicago, made fresh right there at the market!
2. Mandy Burrell Booth from Chicago on March 24, 2010

Christina, donuts *are* a vital contribution to any community. Thanks for pointing that out. I'm a big fan of the Andersonville Farmers Market, which started last year and has quite a few local producers, including a local pasta maker and a local tofu maker. The market is also timed nicely for 9 to 5ers: It's open after 5, I think until at least 7, making it a great option for picking up dinner ingredients on the way home from the office.