Peoria’s Southside Farmers Market officially launched this past Saturday at the old Aldi location on Western. With socially-distanced vendors, mandatory masks, and a hand sanitizing station, the market had nearly 180 patrons come through to shop, learn, and share in a safe environment. The market was supported by a volunteer staff.
Based on survey responses, visitors to the market came predominantly from the 61605 and 61604 zip codes both to purchase produce and to show support for this neighborhood activity. The average spend at the initial market was $11.
In addition to providing access to fresh, healthy foods, this project aims to create economic and community development opportunities on the Southside.
Along with fresh food vendors, OSF, St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria City/County Health Department, Heartland Healthcare, and other institutional and healthcare providers offered services, recipes, and health activities. There was also a booth to help get community members registered to vote.
The market is still looking to add more vendors to help provide a diverse offering for the community. See below for information on becoming a vendor. For the latest Southside Market updates, visit the event page on Facebook.
See you next Saturday!
Interested in becoming a vendor? The vendor fee is $10 per week. Please download this form and return to Martha Ross, Market Coordinator at marthaross@sbcglobal.net. She can also be reached by phone at 309-453-2062.
The market is a result of the Local Food, Local Places program aimed at connecting people with access to fresh food.