CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago has announced the first group of urban gardeners who'll get technical and financial support to help erase food deserts.
It's called the Community Growers Program, and it has a total of $2 million to give out.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's office has just announced the first group of community growers that will get the help: 18 gardens. The city said they are concentrated in areas that historically been food deserts, mostly on the south, southwest and west sides of Chicago.
These areas that have been "food insecure" meaning not having enough access to fresh produce, according to the mayor's office.
“For too long, Chicago has faced longstanding inequalities in how residents access nourishing and affordable foods,” said Johnson.
“I'm grateful for the advocacy of local food entrepreneurs across the city who are developing innovative solutions to increase food access, while also generating wealth for their communities.
Some of the help is going to existing gardens. Some is going to experienced growers who want to start a new garden.
Taking the lead is Neighbor Space, an organization that helps community groups get their gardens going.
Produce from the community agriculture spaces will be available for purchase on-site or at farmers markets.
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