Chicago FarmWorks

Contact Information: Josephine Mathias-Porter at jamporter@heartlandalliance.org
Address: 407-419 N Kedzie Avenue
Neighborhood/Community Area: Humboldt Park
Garden Established: 2013
Protected by NeighborSpace: 2014
Social Media/Website:
Website: Chicago FarmWorks
Facebook: Heartland Alliance
Community Partners: Heartland Alliance.org

About the Farm: (from Heartland Alliance.org)
For many low income communities, good jobs and healthy food are in short supply. To help solve both problems, Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS), in partnership with the City of Chicago, NeighborSpace, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, operates a 2.6 acre urban farm in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. We distribute local produce of the highest quality to those who need it most, while supporting people working overcoming multiple barriers to employment to secure full-time, permanent, viable jobs.

Chicago FarmWorks also operates a program at Harvest Commons, a supportive housing building operated by Heartland Housing. Residents participate in nurturing the garden, a flock of chickens, and honeybees. By locating affordable housing and a sources of fresh, healthy food onsite, we are addressing the health disparities facing many of Chicago’s low-income communities.

70 percent of the people who participate in this program gain well-paid, long-term employment. Together, we’re providing the opportunities people need to support their families and make their community a more beautiful place to live – all while bringing fresh, healthy produce to the community.