As local growers and vendors gear up for the start of the farmers market season, local changes to Benton's venue could be a boon for its customers.
The Benton Farmers Market Committee has announced that its market will be accepting LINK cards for purchases of fresh fruit and vegetables and plants that produce edibles.
"It's going to be more work for Julie (Shotts)," committee member Mary Bolen said, "but it will definitely be an advantage for LINK users."
The program, already in use at other area markets, will allow LINK users to redeem tokens for a set amount with funds subtracted from their cards.
"They will register with Julie when they come," market master Jamie Shotts said. "Julie will give the user tokens that they can spend for anything they would normally buy with the card."
Bolen said the advantage, though, is extra coupons. "Julie will give the users separate coupons in an equal amount, up to $20 per visit, that can only be used for fresh fruits and vegetables," she said.
The tokens and coupons can only be used at the Benton market. However, they can be accumulated and used at any time during the 2018 season.
"The extra coupons are to encourage users to buy fresh, locally-grown produce," Bolen said.
All produce and products at the Benton market are grown or made in southern Illinois.
"No one can buy something elsewhere and bring it to sell at our market," Bolen said.
In addition, all baked goods must be made by the seller, and each baker holds a food handler permit.
The Benton Farmers Market is held from 3 to 6 p.m. each Thursday from May to October at Benton Community Park.
This season marks the 15th year of Benton's market.
