CCFB News» August 2021

The Cookfresh Urban Community Garden Grant Program’s goal is to o develop urban community awareness of agriculture through gardening, to provide additional funding to meet garden goals, and to connect gardens with area member farmers/businesses.

Roots Community Garden, located in Palatine is a community garden made up of volunteers and cooperatives who come together to grow their own food as well as share with community residents, seeking a healthier more sustainable community. Grant funds were used to purchase vegetable plantings and seed, garden materials, stakes, and tools to use for STEM projects.

Farm Bureau volunteer, Rick Johnson presents Garden Coordinator and Master Gardner, Kim Haas and POC Director, Kathy Millan with grant sign while touring the garden.	Garden Cooperatives, Chris, Michelle, and Juan tend their plot with the never-ending task of weeding!

Rainbow Beach Victory Garden, located along Chicago’s South Shore community, houses 53 plus community coop plots sitting on 5 plus acres, including this year’s creation of a perennial pollinator garden. Funds were used at Clarke’s Garden Center to purchase perennial plants, seed, and organic soil.

Rainbow Beach Victory Garden coordinator, Olga Arias juggles a full-time profession while serving as the main volunteer coordinator, overseeing all aspects of this amazing community garden.	A Rainbow Beach Garden coop member working their garden plots; this community garden primarily has vegetable and fruit production with pollinator borders throughout all 53 plots.

Neola Street Community Garden, located in Park Forest brings volunteers and cooperatives together safely to grow their own food and to share with the community through a free share box, to be a healthier and more sustainable community.  Funds were used at Melka’s, Clarke’s and Crete Garden Centers to purchase compost, soil, materials for raised beds ad seed.

Neola St. Comm Garden is a very deserving 2021 CCFB Community Garden Grant recipient  Garden Coordinator, Georgia Eldeib is a garden warrior coordinating, planting, growing, teaching, harvesting food, fruit, and flower production on this 1-acre garden, while teaching and sharing with the community!	Neola garden uses interesting techniques to grow produce and fruit and the results are impressive, as volunteers' water by hand using a water jug!

Palos Park Library Pollinator Garden, located in Palos Park educates the community about the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem. Youth and adult activities, crafts, lectures take place in the garden!  Funds were used at M&D Farm and Garden Center to purchase compost, mulch, and perennials.

Farm Bureau funds assist garden coordinator, Kathryn Sofianos, in achieving the garden becoming an official Pollinator Habitat and Monarch Waystation.	Residents are fortunate to be able to visit and sit in the garden, while reading a good book!

Estella’s Garden, located in Chicago’s Englewood community provides residents with free access to fresh produce, while educating them on food sustainability and beautification of their neighborhood. Community youth and adult volunteers are active in the planting, weeding/maintenance and harvesting process, learning along the way. Grant funds were used to purchase plantings, soil, fertilizer, and garden materials from Crete Garden Center.

Garden coordinator, Kyla Farquhar leads residents in planting, and growing techniques in early spring.	Estella's garden plants are on their way!