Aug 20, 2025 - Culture

Green City BBQ supports SNAP in farmers markets

Monica Eng

Two men wearing red aprons labeled "Nude Dude Food" stand behind a table with multiple small plates of food under a white canopy at an outdoor event with other attendees in the background. — The Nude Food Dude booth was one of the 100-plus serving up food and drinks at the Green City Chef BBQ in Lincoln Park last summer. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

As Illinois responds to federal policies that will likely decrease SNAP benefits, state and local groups are working to increase SNAP power at farmers markets.

Why it matters: Link Match Illinois operates in 125 locations across the state and uses public and private funds to double the value of SNAP dollars spent at farmers markets and some brick-and-mortar stores.

Boosting the value of SNAP incentivizes the purchase of fresh, healthy produce and keeps more dollars in the local economy.
In 2024, more than $800,000 in SNAP purchases were made through the program, supporting local farmers and low-income eaters, according to Link Match officials.

Driving the news: Chicago's Green City Market goes above and beyond the double-value program by tripling SNAP dollars at its markets, and one of the biggest fundraisers for that program is the Sept. 4 Green City Chef BBQ.

If you go: Tickets cost $188 and offer two and a half hours of food and drink at 100-plus booths operated by the city's finest chefs and beverage professionals.

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Green City BBQ supports SNAP in farmers markets

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