[Communications] [Resources] Pilot Project Funding faith based organizations and CCGA

Wed Sep 16 12:32:44 CDT 2020

Lorraine and all, FYI.
Illinois e-News Release
------------------------------

*For Immediate Release*
September 16, 2020

*Contacts:*
Marisa Kollias
marisa.kollias at illinois.gov

Patrick Laughlin
patrick.laughlin at illinois.gov

IDHS Launches New Pilot to Provide Fresh Produce to Communities on the
South Side of Chicago

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today
a new Community Garden Pilot Project to provide fresh produce to
communities on the south side of Chicago that have a history of poverty and
that have been hardest hit by COVID-19.

“We are excited to announce this great new pilot program and to offer fresh
produce to some of the areas hardest hit by COVID-19 and poverty in
Illinois,” said IDHS Secretary Grace Hou. “Fresh produce is an extremely
important part of a healthy, long-term diet and even more so during a
global pandemic. We hope to continue to build this program into additional
underserved communities in the future.”

Antioch Haven Homes, located in the Englewood area of Chicago is the first
site that will participate in the Community Garden Pilot Project. The fresh
produce is being grown in the gardens on the property of Antioch Missionary
Baptist Church's Antioch Haven Homes.

“As the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, we identified the need for
increased access to healthy foods in areas where food insecurity is
prevalent and grocery stores are scarce,” said Senate Majority Leader
Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “Our vision was to implement a program
that would provide fresh produce grown right in our neediest communities.
I’m grateful to IDHS and the many organizations working to implement this
program.”

Broccoli, collard greens, curly kale, and stonehead cabbage will serve the
residents of the 197 affordable housing units in Antioch Haven Homes.
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church also plans to expand their community
gardens to include all of their 600 units that serve over 1200 individuals.

“Englewood has a rich history of community gardening and is a worldwide
leader in urban agriculture,” Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago). “As a longtime
advocate for eliminating food deserts and creating local healthy food
systems I am happy to see the state investing in our local solutions to
improve healthy food access for all.”

Additional participating organizations include Fernwood Community Outreach
Church, Great True Vine Baptist Church (The Laura B. Collins Community
Development Center), Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and Trinity
United Church (Endeleo Institute). The organizations are partnering with
the Chicago Community Gardens Association during the pilot program to
provide technical assistance and farming products. The Chicago Community
Gardens Association will continue their partnership with the organizations
after the pilot program concludes in December 2020. All organizations will
also be partnered with the Cook County Farm Bureau to apply for their
annual Cookfresh Community Urban Garden Grant Program next year.

Attachments

   - IDHS Launches New Pilot to Provide Fresh Produce to Communities on the
   South Side of Chicago
   <https://www2.illinois.gov/IISNews/22091-IDHS_Launches_New_Pilot_to_Provide_Fresh_Produce_to_Communities_on_the_South_Side_of_Chicago.pdf>

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Cordia Pugh
Program Director
Hermitage Community Gardens
5647 S Honore street
Chicago, IL 60636
Phone: (773) 245-3017
Email: hermitagestreetcommunitygarden at gmail.com

On Tue, Sep 8, 2020, 3:18 PM Julie Samuels <jsamuels1966 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I can't be involved in the WebEx but I would be very interested in hearing
> what was discussed and decided and what the next steps are
> Julie
>
> On Tue, Sep 8, 2020 at 1:37 PM Hermitage Street Community garden via
> Communications <communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org> wrote:
>
>> Lorraine and May Toy
>> I am interested in knowing more about the overall project. I am unable to
>> attend the Web meeting tomorrow and welcome notes or a recording to view
>> later. PLEASE keep me in the loop!
>>
>> Cordia Pugh
>> Program Director
>> Hermitage Community Gardens
>> 5647 S Honore street
>> Chicago, IL 60636
>> Phone: (773) 245-3017
>> Email: hermitagestreetcommunitygarden at gmail.com
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 8, 2020, 1:32 PM Lorraine Kells via Resources <
>> resources at chicagocommunitygardens.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello everyone,
>>>
>>> As CCGA contact, I have remained in communication with the folks at the
>>> State of Illinois, Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of
>>> Family & Community Services. The pilot project providing funds for
>>> faith-based organizations to build and expand community gardens is moving
>>> forward.  There will be a web conference via WebEx tomorrow morning from 10:30am
>>> – 11:30am.  May Toy and I will be speaking for CCGA and we understand the
>>> folks from the churches will be at the meeting.
>>>
>>>
>>> If you would like to participate, please reply immediately so that the
>>> invitation and information can be sent to you.  You will have to download
>>> the  WebEx app.  If you can't attend, please reply if you want follow-up or
>>> to indicate your help in time.
>>>
>>>
>>> You may choose to listen in just to stay in touch with no commitment to
>>> participate at this time, but May and I hope that we will find CCGA
>>> gardeners ready and willing to pitch in, where we can, to help these new
>>> community gardens build and thrive.  We were able to solicit a donation of
>>> over 40 trays of cool season seedlings from Gethsemane Garden Center, so
>>> our priority with these new gardens is seeing them get beds built and soil
>>> delivered to hold the plants.
>>>
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Lorraine and May
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Resources mailing list
>>> Resources at chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>
>>> http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/mailman/listinfo/resources_chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>
>> --
>> Communications mailing list
>> Communications at chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>
>> http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/mailman/listinfo/communications_chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>
>
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