It’s easy to use SNAP benefits at Illinois farmers markets.
The Market is continuing it’s participation in a universal SNAP system. Tokens from past seasons issued by Urbana’s Market at the Square, or the Champaign Farmer’s Market, can be spent at both markets.
How the LINK token system works:
- Bring your LINK card to the City tent, located in the north row of the Market.
- The card will be swiped for the desired amount on a wireless terminal.
- Upon approval, you will receives the desired amount in Market Scratch (wooden tokens) and SNAP Matching vouchers. Tokens and vouchers are worth $1.00 each.
- Urbana’s Market at the Square will match the swiped amount one to one with SNAP Match Vouchers. This means if you swipe for $20, you’ll receive $20 in tokens for all SNAP-eligible items and $20 in vouchers to use on fresh LOCAL fruits and vegetables at the Champaign Farmer’s Market and Urbana’s Market at the Square.
- No limit on the number of times you can swipe or amount that will be matched.
- Tokens and Match vouchers do not expire.
Does every vendor accept LINK and WIC/Senior farmers market nutrition program vouchers?
Only vendors selling SNAP-eligible foods will accept LINK Market Scratch. WIC/Senior farmers market nutrition program vouchers may only be redeemed at produce stands displaying the Illinois WIC banner (pictured above.)
Does it cost anything to use LINK?
There is no charge for LINK transactions.
Do I get change back for my LINK tokens?
Change cannot be given for LINK tokens or vouchers, so the purchase is rounded up or down as appropriate by the vendor.
What happens if I don’t spend all my LINK tokens or vouchers? Can I use them the following week?
- Market tokens and vouchers do not expire. They can be used week-to-week and season-to-season.
- WIC/Senior farmers market nutrition program vouchers have specific time frames in which they may be used. The dates are listed on each voucher. If you have any questions please ask one of our Market Staff members at the information tent located in the north row of the Market.
For more information about using LINK and WIC/Senior at the Market please watch the following video:
