Eden Greens Urban Farm
Meet Our Founder
Our Story & Mission
In Chicago's South and West Sides, a stark reality exists: a food desert affecting nearly half a million people. Imagine traveling 1.5 miles, not for a specialty item, but for basic fresh fruits and vegetables – a journey far exceeding the average 0.4-mile trip for North Side residents. This disparity, coupled with a landscape dominated by convenience stores and fast food (70% of retailers), fuels a health crisis. Diabetes and obesity rates soar, and a heartbreaking 15-year life expectancy gap separates these communities from those with readily available healthy food.
Eden Greens Urban Farm was born from the urgent need to address this injustice. We're not just growing food; we're cultivating health, opportunity, and a more equitable future by bringing fresh, affordable produce directly to the heart of these neighborhoods. We are growing a solution, one harvest at a time.
Eden Greens Urban Farm is on a mission to nourish Chicago's South and West Sides, communities disproportionately affected by food deserts. With nearly 500,000 residents facing limited access to fresh produce – often traveling over 1.5 miles to reach a grocery store – we're bringing sustainable, locally-grown food directly to where it's needed most. We're committed to combating the alarming health disparities, including significantly higher rates of diabetes and obesity, that result from this lack of access.
About Us
Rooted in Community, Driven by Change
Our board is made up of passionate Chicago residents who are deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by our community. With diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, our leadership brings unique perspectives to the work we do.
-
Experienced & Entrepreneurial Leadership – Among our board members, we have an IT director who has successfully owned a small business in Chicago for 12 years, bringing both technical expertise and firsthand knowledge of the challenges small business owners face.
-
Educators & Advocates – Two of our board members are former educators, offering valuable insight into the power of education and community engagement.
-
First-Generation Americans – Three of our board members are first-generation Americans, providing perspectives shaped by resilience, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of opportunity.
-
Reflecting the Community – Our board members come from different walks of life—some are parents, some are single, and some are married. This diversity allows us to better understand and serve the needs of our city.
At our core, we believe that representation matters. By embracing diverse experiences and backgrounds, we ensure that our leadership reflects the communities we serve and advocate for solutions that make a real difference.
