North Lawndale Green Youth Farm

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Green Youth Farm (GYF) program is where student apprentices will grow and sell produce from a small urban farm, participate in educational workshops, and take field trips to related enterprises. Objectives are for students to increase skills in and knowledge of sustainable urban agriculture, healthy eating and food preparation, and entrepreneurship; develop positive work habits and discover personal interests; gain knowledge of careers and educational opportunities; and work to improve their community.Teens will sell produce at farmers markets, demonstrate healthy food preparation in nutrition classes at centers for Women Infants and Children (WIC), and donate fresh produce to food pantries. The final products will be a flourishing garden, produce sold and donated, and participants will showcase their work at a community open house where they will prepare a complimentary meal and conduct tours for up to 50 guests!