Chicago Grows Food Grow Your Groceries Grow Kits

Project Overview

YENC24-209
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2024: $6,000.00
Projected End Date: 01/15/2026
Grant Recipient: Chicago Grows Food
Region: North Central
State: Illinois
Project Manager:
Elizabeth Berkeley
Chicago Grows Food

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

  • Sustainable Communities: employment opportunities, local and regional food systems, public participation, food sovereignty, food sovereignty, food sovereignty, food sovereignty

    Proposal abstract:

    Our grant proposal aims to
    educate youth about sustainable agriculture practices and careers
    that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially
    responsible. Each year we will provide 3,000 youth with Grow
    Kits, emphasizing hands-on learning about cover crops, food
    sovereignty, nutrition management, and soil health. Additionally,
    we will host educational workshops, career exploration sessions,
    and monthly nutrition management support. Success will be
    assessed through pre- and post-surveys, interviews, and focus
    groups. Our project aims to empower the next generation with the
    knowledge and skills to foster sustainability in agriculture,
    addressing pressing issues in our community.







    Project objectives from proposal:

    1. In partnership with 120
      classrooms, we aim to raise awareness of sustainable gardening
      practices by educating students, teachers, and families about
      growing food, the environmental impact, and the importance of
      plant health. 
    2. Each year, we will empower
      3,000 students by providing each with a Grow Kit that will
      enable them to be responsible for and learn about the produce
      they cultivate.
    3. Our project will offer youth
      the unique opportunity to engage with professionals from
      various sustainable agriculture careers. Through partnerships,
      12 different experts will provide education to students, to
      help broaden their horizons and inspire future career
      interests.
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.