PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Leaders with Peoria Grown’s Market 309 say families are being left behind by state food access programs, despite proven results showing healthier eating and greater community impact.
The nonprofit was recently denied participation in the WIC Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Not because of the quality of its produce, but because the organization doesn’t grow food itself. Instead, Market 309 partners with local farms to sell affordable produce to families and seniors.
Founder Julie Elia Thamby said the model is effective. Market 309 has shown increased consumption of fresh foods, higher Link card usage, and families reporting improved health. But under the current rules, seniors cannot use their WIC vouchers at the market.
“We had two seniors that came to our market last Sunday, and they had those vouchers and we had to tell them that we couldn’t accept it,” Thamby said. “It was very disheartening for them because they were meaning to use the vouchers for all the produce they could see right behind them.”
Thamby said Market 309 doesn’t fit into the traditional mold of food banks or pantries. The group sells produce at an affordable cost, rather than giving it away for free, which she believes provides families with dignity, consistency, and choice.
While Peoria Grown has provided years of data and community support, leaders with the organization say it continues to be excluded from funding streams and programs that could help expand access.
Thamby argues that state leaders need to modernize program requirements that haven’t been updated in years.
“We need our leaders to say, ‘Can we work with you somehow? How can we support you?’ And the biggest support is funding,” she said. “Stop excluding groups like us just because we don’t grow our own food or give it away for free.”
Peoria Grown leaders are calling for more flexible rules, increased funding, and recognition that community-driven models can help address systemic barriers to food insecurity.
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