The state of Illinois is accepting applications for farmer's markets that want free wireless money card swiper machines as part of the Illinois EBT Wireless Project.

The state received a grant to give up to 150 different farmer's markets a free wireless money money card swiper device, and applicatoins are due July 9. Farmer's markets that receive this device through the Illinois EBT Wireless Project will be able to accept Link and debit cards.  Lt. Governor Sheila Simon says these devices give people the ability to purchase more fresh produce. Right now in Illinois, there are around 300 farmers markets and 50 of them have similar devices.

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Simon says the state has been working on this project and have talked with the US Department of Agriculture. On federals terms, the grant, being only $182,000, is small, but Simon says it will have a huge impact on the state and the communities that receive the devices.

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Clinton Area Farmer's and Artisans Market is one of the markets that has applied for a machine. Elizabeth Burns says the market has looked into buying one, but due to its high cost, it would take up to a third of the market's money. She says the addition of the device would help the market tremendously.

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Overall, Simon views the grant as a complete win. Sales in markets with the devices already have almost doubled and Simon adds it keeps money in the state, helps people be able to buy fresh produce and helps our local economies.

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All farmers markets who receive a device will go through training on how to properly use it. The grant also covers 1 year of free service.

For more information about the grant and Illinois EBT Wireless Project go to www.agr.state.il.us or call 217-524-9129.