“Access to healthy food is crucial to a person’s overall health,” said JMH Community Health Worker Erika Procarione. “We are proud to be able to give more residents of our community access to the nutritious local produce available at the Farmers Market.”
The hospital received a Link Up Illinois grant from Chicago-based nonprofit organization Experimental Station to double the value of Link card purchases made at the farmers market. The grant is intended to provide fresh food access to underserved populations in rural communities. The Link match allows one free voucher for every $1 token purchased, which may be used for fruits and vegetables. (Tokens may be used for any edible item.) The Jacksonville Memorial Foundation also supports the Link card program at the market.
The Jacksonville Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 4, in Pathway Plaza, 1905 W. Morton Ave., Jacksonville. The market is open 7 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Saturdays, as well as Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., through Oct. 26. JMH staff will be available at the Link booth during the Wednesday and Saturday hours only.
