GROWING TOGETHER COMMUNITY GARDEN

In primary care a significant area of focus that we find important is prevention of disease and longevity of healthy life through long-term, preventive interventions. Food deserts and the health disparity of proper access to good nutrition are well known and well studied problems in modern American society. Peoria is no different.

The UICOMP Family Medicine Residency Program (FMR) attempts, as it should, to be a positive resource for the local community. As an educational institution, its reach and goals are much broader than an average medical clinic providing services to patients. We, as part of this program and institution, have developed an urban farming and food security initiative to try and address these issues. We believe we have a greater responsibility to the community and, therefore, have focused on our own micro-community, the 61605 zip code. The UICOMP FMR serves this community and is housed adjacent to it, leading to our need to give back beyond standard medical care.

Location: South lawn of UICOMP Medical School Campus, 1 Illini Dr. Peoria, IL
UICOMP FMR Main Offices and Clinic: UnityPoint Health Family Medical Center
815 N. Main St. Peoria, IL
Contact: uicomp-urbanfarming@uic.edu

Seasonal Production Donated

2020 Season - 217 lbs ( largest representation from kale, collards, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, and egg plant)

Current Funding and Financial Support

UnityPoint Health Methodist-Proctor Foundation
Personal expenditures from project team

HELP THIS PROJECT GROW / DONATIONS

Electronic Monetary Donations: Donate at the UI Foundation here
1. Select Family and Community Medicine from the options
2. Add "UICOMP Urban Farm Project" under additional instructions
Paper Monetary Donations: Checks payable to "UICOMP, Family & Community Medicine"
ATTN: Mary Durdel
815 Main St., Suite B, Peoria IL 61602
In-kind Donations: Look at the links below for what we need and email us for pick or drop off dates and times
Plant and Materials Wish List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HSyB_cdXhxu4cp38cjo5bzDHZXcll1L_qjLV-BHlNWI/edit?usp=sharing
Tools and Supplies Registry: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1twQqsiZ_eY_Jep-GMbwc-tLDFZnHqYfINoL-3JUmEZQ/edit?usp=sharing
Current Plant Registry: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17WYxGOYbdT7mQxTXYErflOE36i7eFyKQk2Vyu9sxFMc/edit#gid=0

SPECIAL THANKS to our local business supporters helping with donations and reduced costs

Hoerr Nursery - helped with discounted plants and delivery
Better Earth Premium Compost - helped with whole pricing for compost fill
American Water of Central Illinois - placed water access on site at not charge to garden project

Original Project Team

Kelvin Wynn, MD (UICOMP Chair of Department of Family and Community Medicine)
Dejan Maksimovic, MD (UICOMP Faculty)
Anton Grasch, MD (Former UICOMP Faculty)
Paulo Michelini, MD (2021 UICOMP Residency Graduate)
McKenzie Wylie, DO (2021 UICOMP Residency Graduate)
Leah Carter (Medical Student Year 4 at UICOMP)