The farm is a partnership between The Hope Collective and Growing Healthy People, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to impact lives by growing food.

Growing Healthy People will bring their expertise in aquaponics and hydroponics to a 2,000 square foot greenhouse recently purchased for HopeCo’s food pantry with a grant from the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Plans are also underway for outdoor raised beds, an orchard and in-ground gardens as well. This living food laboratory will provide many opportunities for all to learn while growing nutritious produce for food pantry guests year round.

Watch this space as we grow HopeCo Farm!