Meet the 2020 Cookfesh® Community Urban Garden Grant Recipients
Urban Autism Solutions-Growing Solutions Farm, located in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood, is an urban ag and vocational learning site that is specifically designed for young adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a 1.2-acre farm with over 100 raised beds, fruit trees, cooling, and hoop house with classroom space. Grant funds will be used to purchase seedlings and vegetable plantings for the garden’s beds.
Willard-Lathrop Garden, located in Cook County’s Harvey neighborhood, is located on two neighborhood lots that have been empty for decades. Produce grown at the garden will benefit their community as produce is donated weekly to their food pantry, as well as in weekly meals provided to children in after-school programs and summer day camp, and to community residents. The garden also promotes a sense of community. Grant funds will be used to purchase soil, mulch, vegetable plants, and garden tools.
Sacred Greens Community Garden, located in Chicago’s near south side Fernwood neighborhood, is a garden that continues Green Lot Project’s mission of neighborhood beautification, food provisions for members and neighbors, educational opportunities, and helping to create a local food system. Grant funds will be used to purchase vegetable plants, perennial herbs, fruit trees, and garden equipment.
Kirby’s Cove, located in Cook County’s Ford Heights neighborhood, is a community garden that will educate young people on how to grow their own food, how to eat healthy, as well as how to beautify and take pride in your neighborhood. Grant funds will be used to purchase plants, fertilizer, and garden equipment.
Maxwell Street Community Garden, located in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood, is a community garden that provides area for neighbors to garden and enjoy nature. Over 50 households will have access to their own garden plot with access to clean soil to grow their own produce and sharing with public housing residents. The garden is also space for community members to meet and interact daily while gardening. Grant funds will be used to purchase seedlings, plants, annuals, fertilizer, and garden tools.
Palos Park Public Library Pollinator Garden, located in Cook County’s Palos Park community, is a garden that provides hands-on opportunities to educate the public on the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem. Youth activities, crafts, and lectures take place with the garden as its focus. Grant funds will be used to purchase seeds, plants, and garden supplies and tools.
Cookfresh® is an assistance program designed for Community Gardens in Cook County to beautify their “places and palates.” The Cookfresh Community Urban Garden Grant program offered six $300 grants to support urban agriculturists seeking assistance with a community garden. The community gardens will receive $350 in the form of Cook County Farm Bureau “Cookfresh Funds”.