An initiative is getting underway to increase access to fresh produce in southern Illinois.
Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Incorporated is partnering with farmers markets in communities with high food insecurity across southern Illinois throughout 2025.
Through this initiative, Meridian will offer vouchers individuals can use to purchase healthy food at farmers markets along with health education materials. Meridian members who present their member ID card will receive $15 in vouchers for use during market visits throughout the 2025 season. Non-Meridian members visiting the Meridian booth will receive $10 in vouchers to encourage healthy eating, while voucher supplies last.
In addition, the participating farmers markets will double the value of SNAP/Link purchases under the Link Match program.
The initiative starts this Saturday at the Farmers Market in Carbondale. It will continue through September at Farmers Markets in Marion, Murphysboro and Anna as well.
Here is the complete schedule in southern Illinois:
The farmers markets participating in this program include:
- May 17, 2025 – Farmers Market of Carbondale
- June 24, 2025 – Food Works Mobile Market – Murphysboro
- June 25, 2025 – Food Works Mobile Market – Marion
- June 26, 2025 – Food Works Mobile Market – Anna-Jonesboro
- July 31, 2025 – East St. Louis F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market
- August 16, 2025 – Farmers Market of Carbondale
- August 28, 2025 – East St. Louis F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market
- September 3, 2025 – Food Works Mobile Market – Marion
- September 18, 2025 – Food Works Mobile Market – Anna-Jonesboro
- September 23, 2025 – Food Works Mobile Market – Murphysboro
