(305 ILCS 43/10)

Sec. 10. Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program.

(a) The Department of Human Services and the Department of Agriculture shall implement a Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program. The purpose of this program is to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other LINK eligible food products, including quality meat and dairy, for all Illinois residents by allowing LINK program participants to redeem their SNAP benefits at farmers' markets. The Department of Human Services and the Department of Agriculture shall solicit federal and State funding for the purpose of implementing this program.

(b) The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Fund is created as a special fund in the State Treasury for the purpose of implementing the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Program. All monies received pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Fund. Funding for the program must be used for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) The purchase or rental of wireless point of sale terminals capable of processing SNAP benefits disbursed under the LINK program.

(2) Monthly or transaction fees associated with LINK card transactions. No fees related to credit or debit transactions will be reimbursed.

(3) Outreach to LINK program participants.

(Source: P.A. 96-1088, eff. 7-19-10.)