With a growing population, culture of food convenience and grocery industry waste, finding local food is becoming more of a demand and significant environmental need. Cook county, making up most of the greater Chicago land area, is home to approximately 5.2 million people and miles of urban sprawl. Though the greater Midwest is a hotbed of the agriculture industry, many would assume that most food is imported from remote industrial farms. Though this is mostly still true, the urban agriculture and farming industry in Chicago is bigger than most would believe. Chicago has a fortunate history of environmental conservation and preservation overall, which has served the city well. The lakefront being a glowing example of environmental consciousness and community coming together.
Now, urban agriculture has been a focal point across America, but many in Chicago are utilizing unused urban space to create something great. One of the more popular organizations that was one of the originals pioneering the urban agriculture scene. Founded in 2011, Urban Canopy began with their initial location in Back of the Yards on a rooftop, is now a booming urban farm company. Started by Alex Poltorak, the company’s mission is to promote environmental consciousness, healthy eating, a more equitable food system, create more local jobs, and help reduce environmental impact of transporting fresh food into the city. Urban Canopy, has also pioneered projects for spreading community gardens and fresh produce to food deserts in Chicago.They are currently working on a large community farm on the south side in Englewood. This organization also provides support and insight to schools, to help promote and inspire this work in youth.
Urban Canopy is not the only organization doing great work here. Chicago Lights Urban Farm, located near north side on W Chicago Ave, converted an unused basketball court into a community garden. A result of the partnership between Growing Power and Fourth Presbyterian Church, a booming, sustainable community garden was born. Growing Power Inc. with locations in Chicago as well as other states in the Midwest, is an organization that works to empower communities and bring them together through sustainable agriculture. Chicago Lights is the outreach program through Fourth Presbyterian, that runs the farm, and even facilitates a youth internship. This opportunity provides youth the chance to gain experience in an incredibly relevant field, and understand the importance of sustainable food production. Job creation in the green industry is growing - we need to prepare students for work and inspire the world we want to see. Anyone can volunteer at Chicago Lights Urban Farm - more information here.
These are only two examples of successful urban farming initiatives in Chicago. Urban farming is growing and one day, will hopefully become a booming, food production source. In an overpopulated, convenient, and over processed world, it is more important than ever that we teach our youth the importance of sustainable food and connecting ourselves to the food that keeps us alive and brings us joy. Urban farming is more than the environmental piece, these initiatives promote healthy eating, as well as community development and interest. Working to bring fresh food and gardens and farms to food deserts is helping to relieve potent social issues. Working to engage people with their food, can do more than just feed, but connect people with a sense of self. See if there is an urban farm near you and support it!
