Chicago names winners of $2 million in urban agriculture funding
“This is one of the largest investments that the City of Chicago has made in urban agriculture. It shows that urban agriculture is a permanent part of our urban fabric.” said Ben Helphand
Chicago Government
June 26, 2023
Excerpt:
The Community Grower’s Program will provide awardees with financial and technical support for existing urban agriculture sites, in addition to the development of urban gardens and farms on vacant lots, with a goal of increasing availability of and access to healthy food in communities facing high levels of food insecurity. As the lead delegate agency of the Community Growers Program, NeighborSpace will provide infrastructure to the project sites, understand the specific needs of each project site, and provide the appropriate guidance. Through the Community Growers Program, the awardees will be growing produce that will be available for purchase on-site and at local farmers markets, helping make fresh food more accessible in communities with limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.
“This is one of the largest investments that the City of Chicago has made in urban agriculture. It shows that urban agriculture is a permanent part of our urban fabric.” said Ben Helphand, Executive Director of NeighborSpace. “This program will contribute to the health and well-being of our communities at the neighborhood scale. It will also provide local entrepreneurs an entry point and foothold to start their enterprises and small businesses.”
“For far too long, areas of Chicago have had a drought of food not only in quality as well as in quantity. I am grateful to the Chicago Community Growers Program to help me bring of healthy fresh food options to my community,” said Felicia Kimbers, Executive Director of Stalwart Market, Inc. “With the help of this program, the barriers can finally be removed from communities that have been referred to as food deserts. Now I can not only share my expertise and experience with the current and next generation but also help enrich the land for the future.”
