Compeer Financial awards grants to 20 Illinois farmers markets

7 articles · Updated · Agri-News · May 2

The Compeer Giving programme distributed $19,750, while 51 more markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin also received funding.
The Illinois recipients collectively serve more than 990,000 annual visitors, with most planning to spend the money on marketing such as social media, advertising, signage and branding.
Other uses include tents, tables and payment technology, SNAP and EBT access, and vendor training for established public markets across Compeer Financial’s 144-county territory.

Are $1,000 grants a true catalyst for rural economies, or just a drop in the bucket for local markets?

As local markets get a boost, how are communities truly bridging the massive urban-rural food divide?

With funds aimed at marketing, can small farmers markets actually out-brand giant supermarket chains for local dollars?