In Chicago, A Farm Grows…
Posted by Cate O’Malley on Growers & Grocers.
But not just any farm. This one is special. Using a 1-1/4 acre lot in Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood, this organic farm is growing from hard work, passion, and a whole lotta helping hands. City Farm, as it’s called, grows lettuce, beets, herbs, tomatoes, carrots, melons and more, and it’s run by the Resource Center, which is a non-profit environmental education organization.
This special place gives back in more ways than one. The compost comes from local restaurants’ food scraps, and the produce grown is sold to community members at an on-site market, and even high-end local restaurants like Frontera Grill and Lula Cafe.
If that isn’t enough, the program gives summer job-training to kids, teaching them gardening basics. “I feel really proud of the fact that we’ve been able to give kids the opportunity to do something constructive in the summers,” says Chris Anderson, the farm’s project manager.
Certainly not your average farm.
Photo from City Farm website.
This is tripping me out! A farm where Cabrini Green used to be? Wow. I’m heading back to Chicago this weekend and I’m going to have to drive by so I can see that for myself. I think it’s wonderful. That neighborhood is really turning around and it’s a great way for people who life in the city to get fresh produce. Otherwise they just go to Whole Foods.