Urban farming helps formerly incarcerated Chicago man in giving back to community
“He’s committed to growing 4,000 lbs. of produce for the residents in the building,”
By Kelly Barnicle,
WGNTV
Jul 23, 2021
Excerpt:
It began as a way to reduce his prison sentence by enrolling in an agricultural program.
Now with a newfound passion for urban farming, David Edwards is working to make healthy, fresh produce accessible for his community. He is one of Chicago’s Very Own.
The last thing Edwards thought he would be doing is growing vegetables in his Garfield Park neighborhood.
“Cucumbers, asparagus, a couple of heirloom tomatoes, and we have cherry tomatoes as well as corn,” Edwards said.
This is Harvest Commons Urban Farm. It’s connected to the ‘Smooth and Social Roots Café’ that he recently opened. It’s a unique dining experience where customers choose the produce that will garnish their menu selection right from the garden.
If they’re ordering eggs, they get to choose which one directly from the farm’s chicken coop.
“The customers are very interactive with everything we do here,” Edwards said.
Fresh, organic produce is scarce or non-existent in certain areas of Chicago. Edwards believes everyone deserves access to fresh food, as well as the resources to learn how to eat healthy.
