Things are looking a little better for residents in the Town of Aurora and Richland Township with regard to options for accessing healthy food.

People for a Better Aurora/Richland Township, through a partnership with Resourceful Communities, an organization that creates opportunities that preserve the rural landscape and lift people out of poverty through conservation and community projects, recently started the Aurora Farmers’ Market.

The market has done well over the past few weeks, with an average of 90 patrons per week. Currently, the market hosts around seven vendors, who bring items such as fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts. Thanks to Omar Bahharu, who owns the old Piggly Wiggly building, the market is set up in its parking lot.

The market is an invaluable resource for the people living in the Richland Township and Aurora right now. The town lost its only grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, well over a year ago, and the community has struggled in terms of accessing healthy foods. The nearest grocery store for most living in the area is about a 20-mile, one-way trip.

The market has been a game-changer for those living in the area, as there is now access to healthy, fresh produce.

People for a Better Aurora ultimately made the market possible. The community organization has helped band the community together to make it happen, and it has paid off.

The committee for the market is not content with the progress, however. They are working diligently to plan other activities, such as a dietician or healthcare professional coming in to demonstrate ways to prepare food sold at the market, and inviting other specialty vendors to join the market to expand its offerings.

Despite obstacles, People for a Better Aurora has united the community to get things moving for Aurora and the Richland Township. They’re making their own way to offset the effects of the challenges they face, and in turn, helping make their community more health-minded and successful.

The efforts of the community are also a start to creating a culture in the community that supports the building of local entrepreneurship, community unification and pride.