P.E.E.R., Inc.

South East Lake is a diverse, low-income neighborhood with a vibrant arts scene, a great nature preserve -- and no supermarket.  Enter the East Lake Farmers Market, a producer-only market offering fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally made foods, as well as free health screenings and healthy activities for kids, in a central location from May to October.  P.E.E.R., Inc. established the East Lake Farmers Market in 2005 in response to the limited access to fresh foods and other resources for healthy living in South East Lake.  The market has grown into a bustling affair that now includes the weekly distribution of fresh produce to low-income neighborhood seniors -- free of charge!  P.E.E.R., Inc. also operates an after-school enrichment program to provide healthy snacks and activities to neighborhood students, a community garden and children's garden, and health education opportunities for seniors and others.  The East Lake Community Kitchen, opening this spring, will offer paid culinary job training for unemployed and underemployed community members, who will prepare value-added and ready-to-eat foods from fresh produce and other nutritious ingredients.  Be on the lookout for our new mobile market truck, which will begin cruising the eastern area of Birmingham later this spring, offering healthy snacks, fresh produce, and prepared foods for sale.  We encourage you to help support P.E.E.R., Inc. programs today!