Urban Farm

Our Urban Farm is a green oasis in the middle of a bustling city.
We cultivate an engaged community through educational and employment opportunities and access to fresh, local, and sustainably grown produce.

Community Engagement

Our work is based in the community. In addition to offering garden plots, we offer volunteering, host events and classes, donate our produce, and partner with local schools and a neighborhood health clinic. If you’d like to partner with us, contact Deja Stout: dstout@chicagolights.org.
Education
Education is at the root of our Urban Farm programming. Through assistantships and partnerships, we provide high school aged youth with opportunities that allow them to get real-world experience in sustainable farming, food systems, and technologies. Learn more. =
Community Garden

Registration for 2026 community garden plots are now full. To be put on the waitlist for 2027 please email Deja at dstout@chicagolights.org.
Learn more. =

Farming & Food Distribution

We’re a fully functioning farm—and we’ve got a bounty of produce to share. Our micro-enterprise not only provides healthy, local food to the community, but also gives teens and young adults invaluable work experience, building skills they’ll need to transcend systemic barriers in their education and careers. This helps make our community stronger! Support our young people by visiting our Farm Stand. Learn more. =

Farmstand & Market Vouchers

Get your favorite produce on site! Choose from a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and even flowers. When you get your food through the Urban Farm, you’re directly supporting our job-training programs and boosting the local economy. Learn More.=

High School Education

The Chi-Lights Farm Corps program teaches high school youth transferable job skills, provides insight into how food and food systems affect their daily lives, and imparts the skills to grow fresh produce for themselves and others.

Schedule

Please check back in August about Fall programming.

Location

444 W Chicago Ave, on the corner of Hudson and Chicago Avenues

Community Garden

Eligibility

Registration for 2026 community garden plots are now full. To be put on the waitlist for 2027 please email Deja at dstout@chicagolights.org.

Plots available to individuals living or working within a five-block radius of the Farm at 444 W. Chicago. (east to LaSalle, south to Ohio, west to Halsted, north to Division)

Fee & What’s Included
The community garden is housed within the Chicago Lights Urban Farm. Plots are 3’x7’ and available to individuals living or working within a 5-block radius of the farm.

We provide soil, water, and tools, along with a community of other gardeners who can provide guidance on growing—so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Gardeners are responsible for their plot, which includes choosing the crops to grow, watering, weeding, and harvesting produce.

The Chicago Lights Urban Farm relies on volunteer support. Community gardeners are asked to sign up for farm tasks and/or volunteer shifts totaling 5 hours for the season.

The fee is $120 per plot. If the fee is prohibitive, please inquire about a sponsorship. Chicago Lights appreciates plot sponsors who provide for a gardener in need.

Please contact Director Deja Stout with any questions: dstout@chicagolights.org.

*Registering doesn’t guarantee a spot. Farm staff will be in touch about next steps once you register.

Farmstand

Schedule & Location

The Farmstand will open in mid-June.
Please check back for more details soon.

Chicago Lights Urban Farm
444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago

Market Voucher Program

Everyone should have access to fresh, local food. Anyone who identifies as having a low income can shop at our weekly farmstand for free up to $25. If they are residents of Cabrini-Green, they are eligible to place an order through our Community Engagement Assistant and their orders will be delivered.

Sponsor Food for a Family

You can be a part of the Chicago Lights Urban Farm’s mission to alleviate food insecurity and support the local community. Sponsor a share of fresh, local produce for a family living in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood.

Become a Sponsor

Make a difference with Chicago Lights.

Volunteers make our life-changing work possible and help our students thrive.

Volunteer

Build brighter futures. Change lives. Volunteer with Chicago Lights!

GET INVOLVED

Invest in changing lives with us.

Every dollar you give goes directly toward empowering youth in need.

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