Section 121.117 Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program

a)         A Farmers' Market is a nontraditional fresh food market where farmers or growers sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally-grown farm products directly to consumers.

b)         The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program is designed to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible food products by allowing Illinois Link (EBT) program recipients to use SNAP or cash program benefits at farmer's markets.

c)         As funds for the program become available, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) together with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (DOA) will allow Farmers' Markets to apply for grants.  To qualify for this program, a Farmers' Market must be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits and must be operating in Illinois.  Grant funds must be used for one or more of the following purposes:

1)         Purchase or rental of wireless point of sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits disbursed through the Illinois LINK (EBT) program;

2)         Monthly or transaction fees associated with Illinois Link card transactions; and

3)         Outreach to Illinois Link program participants.

d)         Funds may not be used for fees related to credit or debit transactions.

e)         When funds are available, information and due dates for application may be found on the DHS website at www.dhs.state.il.us or the DOA website at www.agr.state.il.us.

(Source:  Added at 35 Ill. Reg. 19778, effective December 5, 2011)