Senate Bill 4756 will aid farmers markets that currently do not have the technology to accept SNAP benefits by creating the Farmers’ Market Technology Improvement Program. The program will assist these markets that currently cannot accept SNAP benefits as payment by installing wireless point-of-sale terminals. Farmers markets, as well as Green Carts, market boxes, farm stands, mobile farms stands, produce stands and other open-air markets will be able to participate in this program.

"By providing the technology for Link card transactions at more Illinois farmers markets, we are making more locally grown produce available to low-income families," Said Randy Wells, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Illinois Department of Human Services. "We will improve access to healthy foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy products."

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, over 600,000 Illinois households were enrolled in the food stamp program in September 2008. In addition, over 9 percent of Illinois households face food insecurity or the lack of consistent access to nutritious food, including almost 500,000 children.

"Food insecurity in Illinois is a real and growing problem," Hutchinson said. "It is unfortunate in this day in age some children do not have access to wholesome, healthy meals. This legislation will give those receiving SNAP benefits the opportunity to provide healthy foods to their children while supporting the Illinois farmers that make it possible to lead healthy, robust lives."

House Bill 4756 was passed by the Illinois Senate on April 27th and was recently signed by Governor Quinn.