Attention River North. Did you know we have a produce farm in the neighborhood? Yes, it’s true! Chicago Lights Urban Farm, a local gem located at 444 West Chicago Avenue, offers a farm stand every Saturday, as well as community plots and a Fresh Produce Program.
The farm is run in conjunction with Chicago Lights, a non-profit and community outreach program run and funded by the First Presbyterian Church. The Chicago Lights program works with at risk youth, offering day camps, job training, programs for community-members, and the Sprouts Academy. The Urban Farm teaches youth the fundamentals of urban agriculture, as they learn how to cultivate and harvest crops. River North’s famous Farmhouse restaurant partners with the Urban Farm for fresh, local sustainable produce.
But just don’t take our word for it. This lovely little farm offers subscription farming to local residents, where for an annual membership fee of $100, residents can harvest their own produce on a 3-foot by 9-foot plot filled with organic soil, communal garden supplies (tools, compost), water access, and technical support. Gardeners are expected to become part of the Chicago Lights Urban Farm community and contribute to the life of the Farm. This includes mandatory volunteer hours and helping maintain communal plots. Gardeners are responsible for their own seeds, plants, and personal garden tools.
In addition, fresh, organic produce is offered for sale during the summer months at their onsite Farmstand every Saturday, May-November, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All produce sold is grown onsite and selection varies according to the season, ranging from greens and beats, sweet peppers to seasons. It is an impressive variety.
Please check out the following link and video to learn more about this Urban Farm. Volunteers are always appreciated, and there are many opportunities to get involved.
https://www.chicagolights.org/our-programs/urban-farm/
