Urban Growers Collective

Urban Growers Collective's Mission

Urban Growers Collective’s mission is to cultivate nourishing environments which support health, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture. The organization aims to address the inequities and structural racism that exist in the food system and communities of color. By focusing on these systemic issues, Urban Growers Collective strives to create a more just and sustainable local food system, ensuring that marginalized communities have access to fresh, nutritious food and opportunities for economic empowerment. Their green initiatives and community-centric programs reflect their commitment to fostering social equity and environmental sustainability.

Urban Growers Collective's Farms

Urban Growers Collective operates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, primarily located on Chicago’s South Side. These farms are production-oriented and serve as platforms for staff-led education, training, and leadership development. The South Chicago farm is their largest, spanning seven acres. The farms employ organic growing methods, intensive growing practices, and year-round production strategies, producing and distributing significant quantities of fresh produce. In 2023, they harvested and distributed 23,000 pounds of produce and managed community garden plots at Jackson Park Community Farm and South Chicago Farm.

Urban Growers Collective's Fresh Moves Mobile Market

The Fresh Moves Mobile Market is a key initiative by Urban Growers Collective, aimed at addressing food deserts in Chicago. This innovative solution involves a bus converted into a mobile farmers’ market, which brings affordable produce to schools, community centers, churches, and health clinics. In 2023, the Mobile Market served over 14,400 customers and distributed 270,000 pounds of produce. It accepts various forms of payment, including EBT/SNAP and SNAP double value matching, making fresh produce accessible to low-income families. This program plays a crucial role in improving food security and dietary health in underserved neighborhoods.

Urban Growers Collective's Grower Apprenticeship Program

Urban Growers Collective’s Grower Apprenticeship Program is a comprehensive 3-year practical adult education-training program. It provides new and emerging growers with hands-on training in urban agriculture production and cooperative business models. This program is designed to guide participants towards commercially viable farm operations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the agricultural industry. The emphasis on cooperative business models also fosters a sense of community and shared economic success among participants, contributing to the broader mission of economic development and sustainability.

Urban Growers Collective's Youth Corps Program

The Youth Corps program by Urban Growers Collective engages 150 youth each year in hands-on education and employment opportunities on their farms. This program includes a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) curriculum, providing a multidisciplinary approach to learning. By integrating practical agricultural training with STEAM education, the Youth Corps program helps young participants develop valuable skills, promotes environmental stewardship, and encourages interest in urban farming. This initiative not only provides youth with meaningful employment but also fosters the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture and community development.