Orchard Village’s Farm and Gardening Program enjoyed another strong growing season during the Summer of 2024.
An amazing list of nutritious crops were harvested in our onsite, urban farm. Program participants enjoyed working outside in the beautiful Skokie summer. They worked dilig
ently to grow cabbage, onions, kale, lettuce, cucumber, herbs, squash, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, bok choy, and carrots this season.
Using vegetables from the Farm, Orchard Village again provided Garden Membership subscription boxes. This season, 19 families or individuals received a box of fresh produce from the Farm each week for twelve weeks, totaling about 1,000 lbs. of food. In addition to creating the Garden Membership boxes, Farm Program participants helped harvest, bag, weigh, and sell produce at the Skokie Farmers’ Market. Working at the Farmers’ Market also gave participants the chance to work on their communication skills. Participants spoke to customers about Orchard Village and the opportunities the organization provides for the amazing individuals it supports.
In addition to producing and selling the crops, workers on the Farm this season had to protect the crops from pesky guests. Rabbits have been paying visits to the Farm this year but fear not: Orchard Village has constructed mesh fencing to keep the furry friends from consuming the bounty.
The Farm continued to educate program participants about farm operations, and the vocational skills necessary to work in grocery retail and horticulture. These paid experiences are vital in providing practice to Farm program participants, which can be a stepping-stone to competitive employment in the community.
This summer, Orchard Village’s Farm and Gardening Program continued to be a place of growth and joy. It’s proof to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer or supporter, please contact Carly Bell at Carly_Bell@orchardvillage.org. We welcome you to join us in this rewarding journey.