Growing Home, Inc.

Office:
1325 S. Wabash #205
Chicago, IL 60605

Growing Home, Inc. operates three farms – its certified organic ten-acre Les Brown Memorial farm in Marseilles, Illinois, its Su Casa Market Garden and Wood Street Urban Farm both on Chicago’s south side. The farm produces a wide variety of vegetables for sale to farmers markets, restaurants and our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Growing Home is a certified organic producer whose products include salad mix, green beans, broccoli, cucumbers, squash, carrots, beets, rutabaga, turnips, leeks, perennials such as strawberries, raspberries and asparagus and much, much more. Growing Home also produces honey and worm casting products.

Growing Home is unique. Its transitional employment program serves homeless and low-income people through training and work in urban organic agriculture. Participants in the program receive hands-on training in organic agriculture, landscaping and sales, as well as classroom training about organic agriculture, food and nutrition, sales and marketing, and general job readiness skills.

Why is growing organic a priority for you?
We believe in growing healthy food. We believe in working with nature, not trying to control it.

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options?
Organic products are healthier, and they often support local farmers.

What makes your farm special?
It is a social enterprise operated by a non-profit organization. We provide job training for homeless and low-income people within the context of our organic agriculture business.

Where can consumers get your products?
You can find Growing Home products at farmers markets like Green City Market, by joining our CSA or at other local events including FamilyFarmed.org Expo, Green Festival at McCormick Place, and the Green & Growing Fair at Garfield Park Conservatory. Our produce is served at some of Chicago's finest restaurants.

For more information about Growing Home, visit our website or contact:
Harry Rhodes, Executive Director at (312) 435-8601
Larry O'Toole, Farm Manager at (815) 546-3197

Updated 3/1/2007