Urban Farms and Food Justice

Across the U.S., non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs who prioritize communities that lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables have established flourishing urban farms in cities large and small. Urban Growers Collective (UGC) is just one example—operating eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago, Illinois's South Side. These farms not only produce and distribute food for sale, but also offer education, training, leadership development and mobile markets that provide fresh food to communities experiencing poverty. UGC’s mission is to build market opportunities for producers; provide good food for the communities they serve; and train young people on urban farming and food systems, among other initiatives.

UGC also strives to show how farms can be both aesthetically pleasing and productive through its “Art on the Farm” programming, which features dance and other performances.