The holidays are about connecting with friends and family, and UScellular is nourishing these connections by enabling communities to share a meal with the ones they love.
On Wednesday, Dec. 14, UScellular provided Peoria Grown with $7,500 to host a cooking class with members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria and to purchase fresh produce for its Market 309, where area residents can gain access to fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, cheese and milk at a deeply discounted price.
The cooking class was led by volunteer dietitians at Hy-Vee and featured two healthy recipes. Each of the participating children left the class with recipe cards and all the needed ingredients to replicate an entrée and dessert at home for their families.
Later that evening, area residents who visited Market 309 at the Peoria Women’s Club were greeted by Santa and received free hot cocoa while they shopped. They were then surprised and delighted at check out to find out the cost of all the food they planned to purchase was covered by the UScellular donation. A similar surprise and delight will take place at an additional Market 309 later this month. Between the two Market 309 events, Peoria Grown and UScellular hope to provide 3,000 pounds of produce to more than 200 families free of charge.
This day of giving also included Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria receiving $1,500 worth of non-perishables for use at the club and 100 wrapped presents, which will be given to members at a Holiday Party in the coming week. The presents include Rainbow Lab Science Kits, 5-in-1 STEM Solar Rover Kits, Wooden Pattern Block Puzzles, Light-up Terrarium Kids, Lego Chain Reaction Kits, soccer balls, volleyballs and footballs.
“Peoria Grown and Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria do so much for our community, so we wanted to fulfill their wish lists and help them deliver the much-needed support they provide throughout the Peoria area,” said Aimee Carrell, retail area sales manager for UScellular. “Food has the power to connect people, and we believe every family deserves to come together, strengthen ties, and make memories this time of year.”
The mission of Peoria Grown is to address food insecurity issues through improved coordination of resources; access to affordable, healthy food with an emphasis on fresh produce; and education on nutrition and making healthy food choices. The organization’s Market 309 offers fresh produce at three convenient locations and at a cost cheaper than grocery stores, providing individuals and families access to healthy food.
“The generosity of UScellular will significantly impact our Market 309 customers this holiday season,” said Abby Green, Peoria Grown strategic marketing officer and board member. “With food costs continuing to rise, our shoppers need support like this to purchase healthy, nourishing foods. The holiday season is always a busy time at the market with shoppers stocking up on fresh foods and pantry staples, so this gift could not come at a better time.”
UScellular’s Nourishing Connections
FIRST AND FINAL ADD
Through its Nourishing Connections initiative, this holiday season UScellular is providing food banks, pantries, and shelters with needed supplies and has a goal to support more than 135 organizations across the country. UScellular retail stores are also collecting donations for local food-focused non-profits. For more information, go to newsroom.uscellular.com/nourishing-connections.
Since 2009, UScellular has donated more than $22.6 million along with countless experiences and technology items to nonprofit organizations across the country. For more information about the company’s community involvement, go to newsroom.uscellular.com/community.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2023. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314)898-8116