Chicago Lights Urban Farm banner 2020
Spring News from the Farm
Hello community members, supporters, gardeners, CSA members, and others,

Happy spring to you all. It’s a new year and another season where our Urban Farm can be a green oasis in many forms for our diverse community. I'm writing to update you all on a few happenings at the Urban Farm this spring and summer.  

Staff have been busy planning and running programs and preparing soil for planting. We already have onions, kale, collard greens, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and more planted. 
Plant Sale preview 2021 greenhouse
A few specific happenings:

  • Our spring virtual high school program has been engaging 16 teens all over Chicago since March, and applications for summer are open. If you know any high school students in the neighborhood, they can get more information and apply here through After School Matters.

  • Our annual plant sale is May 15, and the online store is open now! Order before May 12 at 11:59 p.m. CT to get your home garden plants from us. 

  • Community garden plots registration is open. Plots are 3’x7’ and orientation is May 13. There may be 1-2 spots left, so please contact me if interested at bjaffe@chicagolights.org.


  • Our on-site Farmstand will open June 18 and will continue to be open each Friday from 1:00-5:00 p.m. until late October. Stop by at 444 W Chicago.

  • Want to help support our Market Voucher Program to get more produce to families in the community with low incomes? Donate a "sponsor share" here to make a difference.
Produce Collage Urban Farm 2020
Beyond the above, we are also deepening community partnerships, including an expanded effort to get produce to the Near North Health Services nutrition programs, and planning for summer classes and events.

Hope you can connect with us in one of the many ways above.

See you around the farm,

—Ben and the Chicago Lights Urban Farm Team 
Ben Jaffe
Ben Jaffe
Director of the Chicago Lights Urban Farm
Chicago Lights Urban Farm cultivates a thoughtful and engaged community of youth and adults through educational and economic opportunities, hands-on learning experiences, and access to fresh, local, and sustainably grown produce.

Chicago Lights builds brighter futures for Chicago's youth and adults through supportive relationships and life-changing programs.

The Chicago Lights Urban Farm is located at 444 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago.

CONTACT
Ben Jaffe, bjaffe@chicagolights.org, 724.254.5525