Meet the 2020 Cookfresh Community Urban Garden Grant Recipients
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 $300.00 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."
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.
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 the 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, as well as 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 how to grow their own food, learn how to eat healthy, and 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 an 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 also has 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, garden supplies and tools.