New Wind Turbine Powers Olive's Garden for the Hungry in Jefferson Park, Extending Growing Season

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Jefferson Park · November 12, 2025

Jefferson Park's beloved Olive's Neighborhood Garden for the Hungry has taken a significant step toward year-round sustainability with the recent installation of a wind turbine tower. The new addition aims to provide electricity to the garden during winter months when the existing solar system is less effective due to cold weather and reduced sunlight. Bill Zelenka, the garden's volunteer curator, hopes the turbine will allow use of the greenhouse throughout the cold season.

Located at the southwest corner of Ainslie Street and Laramie Avenue, this community garden delivers approximately 150 pounds of fresh produce weekly to two local food pantries during warmer months. The newly installed turbine could provide a three-phase 400 watt load, sufficient to power the garden's internet and camera security system during winter. Additional planned improvements include a new wall around the main planting bed and creation of a smaller raised bed. Garden volunteers have already planted garlic this month in preparation for the extended growing season.

Residents interested in supporting this innovative community resource can follow Olive's Neighborhood Garden on social media for volunteer opportunities and updates. The garden not only provides fresh produce to those in need but serves as an educational resource for local schools, demonstrating sustainable urban agriculture in action.

Sources:
1. https://nadignewspapers.com/wind-turbine-tower-installed-at-olives-garden-for-the-hungry-in-jefferson-park/