PEORIA, Ill. — A local non-profit, Peoria Grown, typically puts on cooking classes to teach kids and their families about healthy food choices.
Since Illinois’ stay-at-home order went into effect at the end of March, the organization has been using their funds to bag up fresh fruit for struggling families.
“They just don’t have the funds to go out and purchase this (fresh produce), because they’re just buying the bare necessities right now,” said Peoria Grown’s Julie Eliathamby.
To date, Peoria Grown has distributed over 1,200 bags of fresh fruit at sites including: Southside Community Center, Midwest Food Bank, several Peoria Public Schools and Taft Homes.
Eliathamby said Peoria Grown just can’t keep up with the current demand. The organization has received a growing number of requests for fresh produce across the Peoria metro area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To donate to Peoria Grown, click HERE, or send a check to: 2812 N. Bigelow Court, Peoria, IL 61604.