Chicago Grows Food Grow Your Groceries Grow Kits

Commodities

• Agronomic: radish (oilseed, daikon, forage)
• Vegetables: beans, beets, carrots, eggplant, greens (leafy), greens (lettuces), okra, onions, peas (culinary), peppers, radishes (culinary), tomatoes
• Additional Plants: herbs

Practices

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

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.

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.