Grow Greatness

Get Inspired: Urban Agriculture in Detroit

Let's Grow Greatness! Urban farming has the power to transform communities in more ways than one. We’re inviting your family to think about where your food comes from. Watch Devita Davison's TED Talk and learn about how urban farming initiatives transformed Detroit communities.

Food has the power to improve our neighborhood health and build community. The food we eat plays an important role in fortifying our community and our bodies, but fresh food is not always distributed equally. Many of our Chicago neighborhoods don't have fresh food or supermarkets for miles; these communities are called food deserts. Urban farming is one way that communities are reclaiming our food system and providing healthy food to their neighborhoods and beyond.

Let’s Talk

After watching Devita Davison’s TED Talk, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family today:

• Why is it important to have access to fresh and healthy foods?

• What surprised you about the farms in Detroit? How can farming can build a sense of community?

• What's your favorite fruit or vegetable? Is it something that you can grow at home?

• Bonus! Check out Chicago Urban Agriculture Mapping Project to find an urban farm or community garden near you!

Community Connections: Growing Home, Inc.

Growing Home, Inc. is an innovative organization inspiring healthy living, economic opportunity, and community empowerment in Englewood. They provide affordable fresh produce to their neighborhood, host a robust job training program, and deliver their food across the city.

Let’s go on a family adventure! Growing Home offers tours of their farm Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm. Learn about their incredible programs and CSA, explore the hoop houses, and check out their learning garden where youth of all ages learn about how to cultivate fresh produce. Email lfair@growinghomeinc.org today to schedule your tour! They request a suggested of $10/person, which may be waived for some groups.

Have you and your family ever signed up for a CSA? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and is a great way to support local farms while receiving fresh produce at your door on a regular basis! Check the Growing Home website for seasonal CSA opportunities throughout the year.