Peoria has tried to erase its food deserts. Here's why it hasn't worked

(From Peoria Journal Star) Sharon Mercer spent part of a winter Sunday shopping for produce for her extended family.

This meant buying groceries for her niece and her small children, along with her niece's parents, who don't drive.

Mercer bought produce at Market 309, which opened in January providing healthy food for South Peoria residents. It's one of several options established by not-for-profits since the nearest grocery store to South Peoria closed — a move three years ago that created a food desert and left those without regular transportation particularly in a bind.

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