Cold weather has arrived in Chicago, which means another successful Growing Home market season has officially come to a close. Throughout this year’s May 1 – October 30 season at the Thursday Englewood Farm Stand, Friday Englewood Village Market, and Saturday Green City Market, we were able to see the return of the farm stand in person and in a new location after a year hiatus.
Reconnecting in-person with returning customers helped make this season one to remember. “It was like witnessing old friends getting together after not seeing each other for years,” said Shani Settles, Director of Operations at Growing Home. Through 70 market days, Growing Home’s produce was shared with more than 1,854 customers. ‘I think it’s good to have face to face transactions,” said Devin, Farmer’s Market Associate and 2017 Alumni. “Seeing the smile on people’s faces as they say, ‘Oh, look at all the produce, it’s so gorgeous.’ I love all the wonderful people that come out to support.”
Customers share that they seek out Growing Home’s farm stand for the quality, local vegetables and to learn more about organic foods. For one customer, the fact that the produce is organic – and it’s from a community-based organization matters: “I heard about how nice the food was at Growing Home, being fresh food without chemicals. And Growing Home is helping others and contributing to the neighborhood. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Another way Growing Home increased their impact this year was the return of pop-up events like grilling workshops, receptions, a Juneteenth Celebration, cooking demos, and more with over 900 attendees. “Englewood is thriving in many different ways,” shares Justin Morgan, Farmers Market Associate. “To be able to help support the growth in the community by having a farm stand, and being able to provide that invigorating experience for people is one of the things that makes Growing Home unique.” And the cooking demos from Growing Home’s Community Engagement Coordinator and self-taught chef LaQuandra Fair greatly contribute to this experience with people looking forward to the free, fresh salads every week during lunch time.
There is already discussion of ways to make the 2022 market season even better. “I‘d love to see the farm stand grow by having a community fridge that is available throughout the week, vendors, live music, teaching days with master gardeners, more child-friendly days,” shares Shani. “After a successful return to the farm stand this year, we’re excited to reflect, recharge, and prepare for another season connecting with the community.” For all of us, as Devin explains best, good food, good smiles, and community is our goal next year – and every year: “Knowing that I put a smile on somebody’s face when they eat this food – that’s what makes me happy.”