Windy City Harvest
Windy City Harvest
Windy City Harvest
As the Chicago Botanic Garden’s urban agriculture program, Windy City Harvest is making a difference in communities on the West and South Sides of Chicago. By focusing on growing food, improving health, and creating job opportunities, we're helping build strong, vibrant neighborhoods that thrive.
Food: For many residents, finding affordable, locally grown produce in the heart of a major city can be a challenge. With 10 urban farms and gardens, we are planting, growing, and harvesting farm-fresh produce, delivering over 200,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to support those facing food insecurity. As part of our VeggieRx program, we are providing free boxes of fresh produce to more than 3,000 individuals annually.
Health: Supplying food is just the start of what we do. At our flagship Farm on Ogden, we offer free classes that empower residents with knowledge about nutrition, cooking skills, and how to make the most of the fresh produce we provide. We also offer therapeutic horticulture workshops, engaging over 2,400 participants each year, supporting their mental wellness along the way.
Jobs: Each year, we offer paid, hands-on training to more than 70 individuals, with about 80 percent securing jobs in the food systems industry after completing the program. Since 2013, we have helped launch and support more than 30 small farm businesses, fostering growth and sustainability in local agriculture.
Windy City Harvest programs change lives but we can’t do it without your critical support. Every gift makes a difference.
