Market 309 Nourishes Student Success

Nutritious food is more than just fuel—it’s the foundation for students to stay healthy, focused, and ready to succeed. When students face food insecurity, it can be harder to concentrate in class, maintain strong GPAs, or even graduate on time.

That’s where Market 309 makes a real difference. Every Friday afternoon in the Markin Center, student volunteers partner with Peoria Grown to provide fresh produce and pantry staples like bread and peanut butter—all for just $1–$3. Last year alone, more than 700 Bradley students relied on this affordable resource.

In 2025, the department expanded its food access efforts by planting a student-led campus garden, which has already provided more than 200 pounds of free produce. Beyond food distribution, these initiatives incorporate health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and SNAP enrollment—supporting students holistically while reducing the stigma often tied to food insecurity.

And it’s your support that makes it possible. Since 2021, the Family Association has provided $20,000 in grant funding to keep Market 309’s shelves stocked and prices steady, even as food costs continue to rise nationwide. Because of this support, students don’t have to choose between buying groceries and paying for essentials like textbooks, housing, or transportation.

“Market 309 is so important because it provides affordable, fresh produce, as well as health and nutrition resources to our community—things not everyone has easy access to. Being able to contribute to that mission and see the direct impact we make is incredibly rewarding,” said Emily Dominguez (pictured above), senior Marketing major and Social Media Manager for Market 309.

Your generosity is more than a donation—it’s a lifeline. Market 309 is proof of the powerful impact the Family Association has on Bradley students every single week. Please consider making a gift to support Family Fund Initiatives.

—Emily Potts