Meridian, a provider of government-sponsored managed care services and a Centene company (NYSE: CNC), announced today the continuation and expansion of its health equity efforts through partnerships with farmers markets across central and southern Illinois in 2025. This initiative aims to increase access to nutritious food in communities facing high rates of food insecurity.
As part of the program, Meridian will offer vouchers to help individuals and families purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. Meridian members who present their member ID card at participating markets will receive $15 in vouchers per visit. Non-members can also benefit by receiving $10 in vouchers, while supplies last, to encourage healthier eating habits.
Additionally, participating farmers markets will support the Link Match program, which doubles the value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. For example, $25 in SNAP benefits can be redeemed for $50 worth of fresh produce, helping families stretch their food budgets while accessing healthier options.
Farmers Market Schedule – 2025
- May 17 – Farmers Market of Carbondale
- June 17 – The Land Connection Champaign Farmers Market
- June 24 – Food Works Mobile Market – Murphysboro
- June 25 – Food Works Mobile Market – Marion
- June 26 – Food Works Mobile Market – Anna-Jonesboro
- July 31 – East St. Louis F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market
- August 16 – Farmers Market of Carbondale
- August 28 – East St. Louis F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market
- September 3 – Food Works Mobile Market – Marion
- September 18 – Food Works Mobile Market – Anna-Jonesboro
- September 23 – Food Works Mobile Market – Murphysboro
Fighting Hunger, Fostering Health: Meridian at the Market
This initiative builds on the success of Meridian’s 2024 program, which saw significant engagement at the Carbondale Farmers Market. In September and December 2024 alone, 321 attendees received 540 vouchers, providing more than $3,750 worth of fresh produce to the community. The program also played a vital role in supporting SNAP recipients and raising awareness about the benefits of using SNAP at farmers markets.
“Meridian is deeply committed to the health and well-being of our members and communities,” said Dr. Rutu Ezhuthachan, Chief Medical Officer at Meridian. “We believe food is medicine. Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for health and happiness. This program helps break down barriers to nutrition and ensures people have the resources to make healthy choices.”
Each market visit will offer a unique experience, including food samples in Carbondale, recipe cards at Mobile Markets, and a health fair in East St. Louis. Additional details on these activities will be shared closer to the event dates.
Meridian will promote the program through outreach efforts, social media, and its community events page to ensure residents are informed and able to participate in this opportunity to access healthy food options.
Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and its family health plans provide government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. This includes Meridian’s Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid plans, and YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois. YouthCare is a specialized program designed to address the healthcare needs of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth in out-of-home placement and former foster youth. Meridian connects members to care and offers comprehensive services to support lifelong health and wellness.
