Beauty and the Beast
We had a pretty sky show at dawn, but the travel forecast for the end of this week continues to look daunting.
I guess the long-term forecast of a blizzard heading our way wasn’t a White Christmas joke. The meteorologists are stating with greater confidence that we are in for a doozy (that’s a scientific term).
As is par for the course with winter storms in this region, the snowfall predictions are hedged 2+ days out. But the National Weather Service Chicago Forecast Discussion issued overnight says, “6"+ totals are appearing likely for a vast majority of the forecast area, with amounts possibly locally surpassing 12" for northeast Illinois.”
The forecasters emphasize that the biggest danger is from blizzard conditions that are seen as likely beginning Thursday night into Friday. “Blizzard” and “snowstorm” are often treated as synonymous but they’re not. To be classified a blizzard, a storm must last at least three hours with heavy snow and winds of 35 miles per hour or more that dramatically reduce visibility (aka “whiteout" conditions).
Says the Forecast Discussion, “We continue to emphasize the impacts from falling/blowing snow and resultant blizzard conditions instead of the exact snowfall forecast. 4, 8 or 12 inch totals will all have similar blizzard impacts.”
It continues, "Not to be overlooked is the bitter cold that will arrive with the arctic front Thursday afternoon and evening. Temps will likely fall 20F or more in just a couple hours with the front. Wind chill values of -20F or lower are likely for an extended period Thursday night into Christmas morning. Impacts from this cold will be exacerbated if the expected very strong winds result in many power outages into the weekend.”
We’re homebodies, so this will just be some particularly dramatic weather theater for us (unless the power goes out). If you’re traveling, though, please be aware of the possibility of major disruptions if this storm does turn out to be a beast.
I want you all to have happy holidays, so please be careful and safe.
Apply for Link Match Grants to Double Good Food Benefits
The Link Up Illinois program, administered by the Chicago nonprofit Experimental Station, partners with farmers markets, farm stands, food co-ops, and independent grocery and corner stores across Illinois to double the value of Link or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) purchases for recipients of these food assistance benefits.
And Link Up Illinois announces that it is now accepting Link Match Grant applications for 2023 from these retailers to enable them to offer the Link Match nutrition incentive program at their business venue.
Details about the program, provided by Link Up Illinois, are re-published below. The application deadline is February 28.
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We are now accepting Link Match Grant applications for 2023!
Developed in 2011, the Link Up Illinois program aims to increase the affordability and accessibility of fresh foods by doubling the value of Link or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) purchases at farmers markets, farm stands, food co-ops, and independent grocery and corner stores across Illinois. Apply now to offer the Link Match nutrition incentive program at your during the 2023 market season.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We partner with farmers markets and food retailers throughout Illinois, in both urban and rural areas. Check out the complete list of 2022 partners in our brochure, available in English and Spanish.
All partner sites will need to be authorized as a SNAP/Link retailer and have a current FNS number at the time of application.
If you are already authorized to accept SNAP/Link benefits, we encourage you to consider offering our Link Match incentives at your market. The Link Up Illinois program makes local foods more accessible for persons receiving SNAP benefits, and also increases revenue for your local farmers.
If you are not yet authorized, please reach out to us earlier than later for guidance. Now is the best time to apply through the USDA or take care of any updates.
For our returning partners, this is a reminder that you need to reapply to renew our partnership for the 2023 season.
HOW TO APPLY?
Complete the application by the priority deadline of Friday, February 28, 2023. Partners applying before this date will have their application serviced first and be included in our partner brochure. We will continue to consider applications after the priority deadline, but can not guarantee your location(s) will be included in our marketing materials. We will begin the contract and training process in March and April for summer markets. Note: Returning partners will need to complete their 2022 End of Season report before applying for 2023.
Applications can be accessed directly through this link or on our website.