A guide to Chicago’s urban farms
Fruits, veggies and opportunities
By Valentina Pucarelli, Photojournalist
Columbia Chronicle
July 23, 2021
Excerpts:
Growing Home is the first USDA certified high-production urban farm in Chicago.
According to LaQuandra Fair, Growing Home’s community engagement coordinator, the nearest grocery store to their farm in Englewood is 20 minutes away by foot, which means few opportunities to get fresh produce for residents who may not have a vehicle.
“It was important for us to have [fresh produce] within walking distance for our residents,” Fair said.
Their farm stand is open on Thursdays at reduced prices for the Englewood community. They also provide CSA boxes, participate in pop-up markets, fresh markets, cooking demonstrations and job training.
Only a few blocks west from Star Farm Chicago is Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation’s farm. PBMR focuses on restorative justice through radical hospitality, hope and healing.
PBMR engages with the Back of the Yards and Englewood communities, especially those who have been affected by violence and the criminal justice system, through farming, education, healing circles and more.
PBMR offers fresh produce, eggs and honey for free or a reduced price.
“Our community is important to us and it’s important to us that no one goes to bed hungry,” said Sister Carolyn Hoying, one of the famers at PBMR.
