Peoria Market 309 expands to address growing food insecurity

The community market is adding a full-service grocery store to serve low-income residents.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a display of fresh produce, whole grains, and other healthy food items arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the premium quality and visual appeal of the items that will be available at the new Peoria Market 309 grocery store.A carefully curated display of nutritious, affordable food items that will soon be available at the expanded Peoria Market 309 grocery store.Peoria Today

Peoria Market 309, a community-focused market in Illinois, is expanding its operations to include a full-service grocery store in response to the growing issue of food insecurity in the area. The market, which currently offers a limited selection of affordable produce and pantry items, will now provide a wider range of grocery options to better serve the needs of low-income residents who lack access to healthy and affordable food.

Why it matters

Food insecurity has been a persistent problem in Peoria, with many residents living in 'food deserts' without easy access to supermarkets. The expansion of Peoria Market 309 aims to address this issue by bringing a full-service grocery store to a neighborhood that has historically lacked such resources, improving access to nutritious and affordable food options for the community.

The details

Peoria Market 309 will be adding a 10,000-square-foot grocery store to its existing facility, which will offer a wider selection of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples. The market's leadership team has been working closely with local organizations and community members to ensure the new grocery store meets the specific needs of the surrounding neighborhood.

  • Peoria Market 309 first opened in 2018 as a community-focused market.
  • The expansion to include a full-service grocery store is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Peoria Market 309

A community-focused market in Peoria, Illinois that is expanding to include a full-service grocery store to address food insecurity in the area.

Peoria, Illinois

A city in central Illinois that has struggled with persistent issues of food insecurity and lack of access to healthy, affordable food options for many residents.

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What they’re saying

“The issue with food insecurity has actually grown, and we're seeing more and more families in need of access to affordable, nutritious food. This expansion will be a game-changer for our community.”

— Samantha Wilkins, Executive Director, Peoria Market 309

What’s next

Peoria Market 309 plans to hold a grand opening celebration for the new grocery store in early 2027, inviting the community to explore the expanded offerings and learn about the market's mission to address food insecurity.

The takeaway

The expansion of Peoria Market 309 into a full-service grocery store represents a significant step forward in addressing the persistent issue of food insecurity in the city. By bringing affordable and nutritious food options to a historically underserved neighborhood, the market is poised to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the local community.