Growing Home Launches Winter Farmers Market in West Englewood, Bringing Year-Round Fresh Produce to Community
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Englewood ·
West Englewood residents now have access to fresh, locally-grown produce throughout the winter months as Growing Home expands its seasonal offerings with a special Winter Market at their Wood Street Urban Farm location.
From February to November, Growing Home operates a fully functioning 1.75-acre farm along Wood Street in Englewood. The organization is extending its services to address food insecurity in the neighborhood with year-round distribution through their farmers market and wholesale partnerships. "Of course, Englewood is a food insecure neighborhood," explained Ezra Lee, Growing Home Farms and Program Manager. The USDA-certified organic urban farm not only provides fresh food for a neighborhood with limited access but also serves as a workforce development center. Together, the Wood Street and Honore Street Farms provide .87 acres of cultivable land and are the center of their programming.
The Winter Market expansion is part of Growing Home's larger initiative to ensure community residents have year-round access to nutritious food. "Growing Home could replicate what universities represent in some communities," said Janelle St. John, Executive Director. "It can be an anchor site that I want the community to be proud of. My hope is that it'll be a catalyst for other people to think creatively about how they can bring jobs (to Englewood) and not just social services." Residents interested in supporting this local initiative can visit the Winter Market at 5814 S. Wood Street or learn about volunteer opportunities and workforce development programs on their website.
Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-urban-farm-growing-home-helps-with-sustainability-effort-dnc/
2. https://www.growinghomeinc.org/our-farms/
3. https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2024/07/03/5m-city-grant-to-help-englewood-farm-provide-options-economic-development