I was given an incredible opportunity to visit Growing Power's Iron Street farm last weekend with a group of students from my graduate program. Located near 35th and Ashland, this facility is a fairly new acquisition and the headquarters of all their Chicago farms. We were told that there were six total. Growing Power began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by former NBA player Will Allen. His daughter, Erica brought Will's concepts of farming, job training, and aquaponics to Chicago.
This summer, I've created a curriculum for an independent study regarding the investigation of justice in the food system. I'm utilizing this opportunity to learn as much as possible about urban agriculture initiatives in Chicago and the food system on a national level. My syllabus is chalked full of Michael Pollen, a handful of other books, 50+ journal articles, and a list of places to visit in the city.
This week I've finished Farm City by Novella Carpenter for the second time and have just begun The Omnivore's Dilemma which I've read sections of in the past.
That sounds like such a great (and rewarding) learning opportunity! I recently purchased a book that you might be interested in. It's called Reclaiming Our Food: How the Grassroots Food Movement is Changing the Way We Eat, by Tanya Denckla Cobb. I stumbled onto it at the university library in the new books section a few weeks back and couldn't put it down. It has a ton of information about different organizations around the country that are working to change the food system at the local level. The stories are so inspiring - and Growing Power is one of the organizations highlighted. Check it out and let me know what you think! Good luck with your independent study! ~Geraldine
ReplyDeleteThanks, Geraldine! I've added it to my Amazon list! I'll keep you posted as I go along!
ReplyDelete