PEER, Inc.

Description

P.E.E.R., Inc. was established in 2005 in response to limited access to fresh food and other essential resources for healthy living in the South East Lake neighborhood. The organization has grown steadily and now administers a variety of programs in South East Lake. P.E.E.R., Inc.’s flagship program is the East Lake Farmers Market, a successful producer-only market established in 2005 to address the limited availability of fresh, nutritious foods in South East Lake and surrounding areas. The market is open weekly for six months of the year and offers various health resources, including health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and healthy kids activities. In 2008, P.E.E.R., Inc. began the Senior Market Basket Program in conjunction with the market. This program extends the benefits of the East Lake Farmers Market to low-income seniors in the South East Lake neighborhood by providing and delivering fresh produce free of charge. The Senior Market Basket Program is a key avenue for serving those with limited financial means and mobility. P.E.E.R., Inc. has also developed additional programs to serve the needs of area residents. These programs include Step Up After-School Enrichment Program, P.E.E.R. Gardens, and Senior Healthy Living Program. P.E.E.R., Inc. collaborates with community agencies to provide resources for healthy living at the East Lake Farmers Market and through other programming.