Illinois farmers markets receive grants from Compeer Financial

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Through its Compeer Giving program, Compeer Financial awarded $19,750 to 20 Illinois farmers markets.

Farmers markets connect rural and urban, and the Farmers Market Organization Grant program is meant to elevate the impact of this connection with agriculture by supporting marketing, technology, education and engagement initiatives.

An additional 51 farmers markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin also received grant funding.

“Spring unofficially marks the opening of farmers markets, which serve as an opportunity to build community between consumers and area farmers,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial.

“We’re pleased to support the role farmers markets play in enabling farmers to share their passion, helping consumers understand the care with which food is grown and driving economic progress for rural communities.”

Schieler noted that many applicants position their markets as hubs for both economic activity and community connection.

Noting that increased visibility is critical to boosting both customer traffic and vendor participation, the majority of grant recipients, or 86%, intend to use the funding for marketing initiatives, such as social media campaigns, local advertising, signage and branding.

Other frequently cited uses include:

• Infrastructure, such as tents, tables, signage and point-of-sale technology, to help create a more professional, weather-resilient and accessible market environment for both vendors and customers.

• Expanded food access through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and electronic benefits transfer systems, matching programs and outreach to underserved populations to improve equitable access to local foods.

• Vendor training and tools to help vendors operate more efficiently in support of the long-term sustainability of the market.

To be eligible for the grant program, applicants must be an established farmers market within Compeer Financial’s 144-county territory that: has at least three vendors of locally produced agricultural products, is free and open to the public and has posted hours of operation.

The 20 Illinois farmers markets, which serve more than 990,000 visitors annually, receiving a grant from Compeer Giving are:

• 61st Street Farmers Market

• Aurora Farmers Market

• Carthage Farmers Market

• DeKalb Farmers Market

• Edgebrook Farmers Market

• Elmhurst Farmers Market

• Farmers Market+ At The Dole

• Garfield Park Neighborhood Market

• Glenwood Sunday Market

• Lincoln Square Farmers Market

• Main Street Farmers Market Downtown Aledo

• Oregon Farmers Market

• Oswego Country Market

• Peoria RiverFront Market

• QC Farmers Market

• Quincy Farmers Market

• Stephenson County Farmers Market

• The Gathering Market

• Twin City Farmers Market

• Woodstock Farmers Market