For over thirteen years, our community has united to champion a vision of a food secure future. By supporting our signature fall event on October 19, Harvest Against Hunger, you can help ensure that more families in Chicago’s western suburbs have access to fresh, nutritious food. We invite you to take part in our biggest fundraiser of the year, held at the DuPage County Historical Museum in Wheaton on October 19. This event creates opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to grow their own food, which improves food security and increases access to fresh produce in our region. {{ vc_btn: [...]

EMBRACE FALL GARDENING WITH A WORKSHOP BY THE GARDENWORKS PROJECT AND GREEN GARDEN MAMA AT MORTON ARBORETUM As the summer sun shines brightly, it’s the perfect time to look ahead and prepare for the changing seasons. On August 8, join us at the Morton Arboretum for an enlightening workshop, “Productive, Beautiful Fall Gardens, with the Green Garden Mama,” that will equip you with the knowledge needed to transition your vegetable garden into autumn. Led by Carrie Khoury, a Lombard native known as the Green Garden Mama, this event promises a wealth of fall gardening wisdom.  Learn about selecting the right [...]

As we begin the second year of our gardening journey with Magdalene House Chicago (MHC), we reflect on the profound impact that gardening has had within this community. These gardens are not just a source of nutritious food, they are a sanctuary where women survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction have found solace and strength; where healing is nurtured and hope flourishes. GardenWorks believes that the act of gardening transcends the simple planting of seeds. It can be a transformative, therapeutic activity that empowers individuals to take control of their well-being. Gardens offer a peaceful retreat to engage with [...]

Manbot Coffee Roasters is partnering with us to fuel the month of June (and with 182 garden beds, we’re going to need a lot of fuel). A local coffee roaster in Winfield, their passion is to make darn good coffee.  We are thrilled that they are donating 10% of all sales at The Station, in Winfield to GardenWorks.  Get bags of coffee, hot coffee, cold brew, tea, and more M-Th mornings at the Winfield Train Station. Visit owners Mike and Chris during their summer station hours M-Th 6-9am (park in any open space at the station).Jewell Rd & Church Street, next [...]

The GardenWorks Project has begun its thirteenth season expanding access to fresh produce for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Thanks to collaborations with volunteers, donors, local businesses and social service organizations, our season is starting off strong.  We’ve filled 182 garden plots across the western suburbs with soil, compost, vegetables and herb seedlings and our gardeners have already begun reaping the rewards. VOLUNTEER WITH US  Would you like to be part of this year’s vibrant volunteer team? Your hands can help shape our community gardens and nurture our neighbors. Opportunities abound, whether you prefer to work in the gardens [...]

Join us at our next educational workshop: Edible Flowers – They’re Incredible. Debbie Rea, known as The Gardener Wife, will share her 25 years of expertise in identifying, cultivating, and utilizing edible flowers at this free event. Learn the simplest varieties to cultivate and creative ways to incorporate them into various dishes. Embrace this opportunity to expand and diversify your edible harvest, and consider sharing your garden’s bounty with local food pantries to support our community’s fight against hunger.  Find Debbie on Instagram: @thegardenerwife  WORKSHOP: EDIBLE FLOWERS - THEY'RE INCREDIBLE Tuesday, July 9 | 7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. Wheaton Public [...]

This April, we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the dedication of our extraordinary volunteers who bring our mission to life each season. We give thanks for their remarkable efforts that nurture our neighbors and cultivate our land. We cherish this time of year when we reconnect with our community, embarking on the communal ritual of preparing and planting garden beds across the western suburbs. We invite you to enjoy this video montage, created by Steve Jordan of G. Steve Jordan Films, to honor the impactful contributions of our volunteer community last season. Our gratitude extends to every volunteer [...]

On May 1 - 3, 2024 DuPage County comes together in a day of giving, uniting our community around important social causes and helping local nonprofit organizations working to better our communities.  The GardenWorks Project is joining in this community-wide movement in order to further our mission of fighting hunger by nourishing families and neighbors with homegrown, fresh, and accessible food. Last year, GardenWorks grew over 13,000 pounds of vegetables for families and food pantries throughout the western suburbs and diverted excess produce weekly from local farms, markets, and backyard gardens.  This year, we hope to expand those efforts to [...]

Our Spring Seedling Pre-Sale is live! Purchase locally, organically-grown vegetable and herb seedlings that support our mission. For every seedling you purchase, you plant THREE for gardeners facing food insecurity in our garden programs. The in-person seedling sale will be on May 17 - 18 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Pre-orders will be organized and ready for quick pickup.  Members of our Food Growers Network, a community of food growers who desire to grow and donate excess produce to food pantries, receive a seedling discount (online and in-person).  It's a great time to join! With your $25 annual donation, [...]

The GardenWorks Project is kicking off its thirteenth season this spring, expanding access to fresh produce for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Thanks to collaborations with volunteers, donors, local businesses and social service organizations, last year we grew over 14,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious produce in 140 garden beds throughout the western suburbs and facilitated produce donations of over 4,000 pounds from home gardeners and local farmers to food pantries. The momentum continues as we prepare to dig in for the 2024 season, improving food equity and access for residents in DuPage and surrounding counties facing food insecurity. As [...]

The winter months offer space to reflect on the past garden season, as we diligently plan for the season to come. We take great pride in the many successes from 2023, our twelfth season serving individuals and communities facing food insecurity. In collaboration with community members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors who rallied behind our vision of a more food secure future, here are some of the results accomplished last season: 92 families, which includes over 300 individuals, received household garden beds and the resources and support to grow their own produce Countless others were served at five community group and [...]

Food insecurity is a complex issue that no organization can address alone. To expand our reach, GardenWorks collaborates with gardeners, staff, and volunteers at community garden sites and partner organization locations throughout the western suburbs. Partnering with 50+ organizations such as Metropolitan Family Services, Mercy Housing, and Bridge Communities, we can make an impact not just for individuals, but for entire communities. “Food is a basic need,” said Megan DeAngelis, manager of family wellness at Bridge Communities, a local organization serving families facing homelessness. “Knowing how to grow your own food will, down the road, provide a foundation for sustainability [...]

Learn about growing an edible garden indoors through the winter and enjoy the nutritious benefits of microgreens and sprouts. Join us at Barn Owl Garden Center in Carol Stream for tips and resources on growing indoors. From 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., The GardenWorks Project's Programs Manager, Amanda Bryant, Anna Haak of Redeeming Greens, and the experienced team at Barn Owl Garden Center will discuss essential aspects of edible container gardening.   GardenWorks Project Educational Event: Container & Indoor Gardening November 8, 2023 -  6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Barn Owl Garden Center 1N583 Gary Ave, Carol Stream  Learn more, RSVP and prepare [...]

Join us for our 6th annual signature fundraiser, Harvest Against Hunger, where we will gather to celebrate and support our work towards a more sustainable, equitable, and healthier future. This creative collaboration with College of DuPage’s Culinary, Hospitality and Horticulture Departments will be held on Saturday, October 14 from 5-8pm. The event will debut a lemon thyme IPA from Skeleton Key Brewery, "Growing For Good".  BUY TICKETS          DONATE NOW         GET "GROWING FOR GOOD" MERCH You don’t want to miss this year’s event, hosted at College of DuPage’s “Street Scene” in Glen Ellyn, which [...]

The GardenWorks Project, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization improving food security and food access throughout western Chicagoland, announces a new partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) and the Tony Reyes Family Foundation.  On May 19, 2023, the three organizations began a three-year long project to expand fresh food access and strengthen the health and wellness of the Winfield community. With funding generously granted by the Tony Reyes Family Foundation, The GardenWorks Project installed food growing gardens at the Ronald McDonald House® near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital for the purposes of improving food access [...]

Vegetable gardens may not be top of mind when you think of a local brewery, but for us, it's a perfect pairing.  We’re privileged to be the recipients of Skeleton Key Brewery's charitable efforts as their 2023 nonprofit partner, alongside West Suburban Community Pantry, one of our food pantry partners. Skeleton Key joins us in the important work of building food security for their local community.  Skeleton Key kicked off their “Growing for Good” campaign with a seed-starting demo, where they provided the tools and knowledge for their community to grow produce at home.  All produce is being donated to [...]

With fondness in our hearts, we wish former executive director, Jeannie Iseman, the best on the next chapter of her professional and personal journey.  She has made a tremendous impact on our organization, which has grown and thrived under her leadership over the past six years.  Jeannie was hired as The GardenWorks Project (GWP)’s Executive Director in 2017. During her tenure in this position, Jeannie’s impact on our organization and the greater DuPage County area has been immeasurable.  Her accomplishments over the past six years include: Ushered a new strategic plan for 2021-2023, creating bold visioning for our growth as [...]

We begin our second season growing produce for local food pantries at our very own community gardens at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.  Sponsor GTCR helped us kickoff the 2023 season! This spring, they refreshed and planted crops in galvanized tanks, which the DuPage County Fairgrounds & Events Center generously converted from beer tubs to garden beds.  The team weeded the Fairgrounds’ strawberry patch, and spread soil at GardenWorks primary garden space, where we have a traditional garden, modern garden, garden boxes, and grow bags.   “We decided to sponsor GardenWorks partner with them for our Earth day celebration”, says [...]

The GardenWorks Project is excited to announce the selection of Teri Wood as the organization’s new executive director. Teri follows previous Executive Director, Jeannie Iseman, who served as the organization’s leader for the last six years. Teri Wood brings over 20 years of experience in community engagement, fundraising, event planning, and volunteer management. She has served as a community relations coordinator, communications director, and most recently a community outreach coordinator all within the field of public education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Marquette University. “After a thorough search process, the board is pleased to announce this appointment,” [...]

Outside Educare in West DuPage, engraved at your feet, the entrance of the school reads: “When You Change a Child’s Life, You Change an Entire Community. Together We Are Changing a Country.” As you walk through their halls, the welcoming atmosphere at Educare envelopes you. The beautiful space is centered around the children's health and happiness, but the true magic is the people and the roles designed to support the students, teachers and families.  They make all the difference, and the effects clearly ripple out into the community.  I was lucky enough to speak with Mentor Teachers Isabella Sosa and [...]

The GardenWorks Project, kicked off its 12th season during Earth Week, preparing vegetable garden beds for families facing food insecurity with corporate sponsor, Duly Health and Care.  With sponsor support, GardenWorks is increasing access to fresh produce in west suburban Chicagoland by providing families with the resources to grow food in home and community gardens, and promoting donations of produce to local food access organizations.  GardenWorks’ celebrates Earth Day every day with its commitment to promoting sustainable growing practices that steward the health of our communities and the environment, and diverting excess produce from farms, markets, and backyard gardens to [...]

Last year, with the support of sponsors, donors, and volunteers, we grew over 15,000 pounds of produce for residents in DuPage and surrounding counties facing food insecurity.  We served 2638 gardeners to provide the resources and knowledge to grow their own, nourishing food. The momentum continues as 134 garden beds are to be planted in 2023, along with exciting new opportunities and events for our 12th season kick off! We begin our second year headquartered at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, with our own GardenWorks Community Gardens expanding our capacity to grow vegetables for local food pantries.  We hope to increase [...]

Dear Beloved Community, 2022 was a year of change for The GardenWorks Project. As we entered another year of serving the greater DuPage county area and were still feeling the lingering effects of COVID-19; staff, board members, and volunteers wanted to see how we could further meet the needs of the community. We wanted to be bold, try new things, and grow our organization to further our impact. We wanted to plant the seeds for a better, more sustainable future for all. There was a lot of success this year. We made a new home at the DuPage County Fairgrounds,  installing [...]

LuAnn remembers her family's garden in Melrose Park thirty five years ago, as she was often given the task of gathering ingredients for whatever her grandmother might be making. LuAnn's love for fresh produce was evident even then, as she admitted to coming back from her duties empty-handed but with a full stomach, as the bright red from the tomatoes she had picked gave her away. Thirty years later, now living in Villa Park, LuAnn connected with gardening all over again. Once her hands were back in the soil, much of the knowledge came back to her, and she continued [...]

I’ve been known to pilfer bags of chopped leaves from the curb around the neighborhood. What - you don’t do the same?  If you lament the falling leaves every fall, don’t be dismayed. Compost. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Fall is the perfect time to start a compost pile. Why? Leaves are good fodder to get started with. Your pile can be as simple as, well, a pile, and will break down just fine.  But a strong wind can rearrange all you’ve done. You can up your game and aesthetics if you build a bin to keep everything contained.  [...]

It’s called the “World Community Garden”.   And, the name might surprise you for being located in Wheaton.  But, it fits.  This community garden at the Marian Park Mercy Housing site is home to 14 gardeners from 7 countries, speaking 7 native languages and growing varieties not often found in your typical grocery store.
The GardenWorks Project began a partnership with the Marian Park community in 2017 with the installation of a 5 bed system intended to serve low income and elderly residents desiring to grow their own produce and, according to Resident Service Coordinator, Bethany Atchison, “empower and nourish bodies and souls.”   “Our community has a large population of refugee families that have moved often during their first years here in the United States.   It is a permanent residence with the opportunity to garden, which is often the first time since they have been at home.  Gardening gives them something familiar in a very foreign country.” The program has since grown, expanding the site to 14 beds at two locations on the Mercy Housing-owned campus.

Every year, The GardenWorks Project holds its signature fall fundraiser, Harvest against Hunger. For the past two years, we have held the event virtually, and still had great success, selling out of tickets both years. We are delighted to celebrate this year with an in-person event at the College of DuPage! Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harvest-against-hunger-2022-tickets-387507865457 This year’s Harvest against Hunger will highlight the great work and innovation of our local food system and our diverse community of clients. Attendees will enjoy locally sourced food and drinks, garden tours, live music, and a farm share box as a parting gift. The theme and programming are consistent [...]

Lori connected with The GardenWorks Project in the fall of 2020. She had heard about the organization and its gardening program through the Birth to Three Program in West Chicago, and decided to submit an application. At first, Lori’s family was approved for a GardenWorks Project balcony box, but they were excited to learn that, without access to land, her family was eligible to receive a space at a GardenWorks community plot near her home. Even while processing changes, the process felt seamless for Lori.. “GardenWorks was really flexible, accessible, and easy to work with.” It wasn’t until last summer, though, [...]

(Chicago, IL – July 18, 2022) The Chicago Region Food System Fund today awarded $1.52 million to 48 grantees as part of its continuing efforts to bolster Chicago’s local food system against systemic shocks like COVID-19 and ongoing economic upheaval. This round of grants prioritizes projects that further cultivate existing community assets to aid in long-term food system transformation. Funding in this round focuses on two areas: building on the resources and capacity of individual organizations, and on strengthening partnerships between organizations and institutions across size, geography, and type that implement community-led food initiatives. With the grants announced today, the total support granted by the [...]

During the 2021 growing season, Lisle Township Community Garden harvested and donated 1,100 pounds of fresh produce to The Lisle Township Food Pantry. Founded in 2012 by caring community members, the garden was planted to supplement the fresh produce offered at Lisle Township Food Pantry right next door. Community members accessing the pantry for grocery assistance wanted more produce, but it did not have enough to offer regularly. “Fresh produce is the number one thing people want,” said Charles Biggins, food pantry director. “Customers are looking for plant-based diets to fight health issues.” According to a groundbreaking study by United [...]

Food security and access are at the forefront of conversations and media attention as a global food crisis threatens the health of people around the world and right here at home. At The GardenWorks Project, we are committed to our mission to empower, educate and support food growers of all levels to feed themselves and their community, especially now as more families turn to food growing as a way to achieve a healthy diet and maintain access to fresh produce. Because Everyone Deserves Fresh Produce. This belief is foundational to everything we do at The GardenWorks Project. Here are some [...]

The GardenWorks Project is launching Fresh Food Connect, a mobile app this spring to make it easier for home and community gardeners to donate a portion of their fresh grown produce to local food access organizations. Wheaton, Ill. (March 1, 2022) -- The GardenWorks Project is launching Fresh Food Connect, a mobile app this spring to make it easier for home and community gardeners to donate a portion of their fresh grown produce to local food access organizations. “This partnership will ensure that everyone in our community has access to fresh produce and can participate in the local food economy,” said [...]

All right, I have a bit of a confession to make. Even though I have been involved with the GardenWorks Project for the past three years, as I feel strongly about fighting hunger, food security and food access, I am actually not a gardener. Blasphemous, I know, but they still seem to like me here. So, when I was introduced to Lisa Sandoval, a Food Growers Network member, I was intrigued by her story. She mentioned that through seed saving, Lisa was able to provide a GardenWorks participant with eggplant seeds native to her home nation, Liberia, so that she could grow [...]

Four participating nonprofits receive grants from Robert R. McCormick Foundation, including The GardenWorks Project. Wheaton, Ill., November 11, 2021 — Cantigny Park today announced that the “CAREcrow” display by The Gardenworks Project received the most votes in public balloting. By winning the popular vote, the organization earns an additional $1,000 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for a total of $2,000. Three other participating local charities each received $1,000. GardenWorks Project, based in West Chicago, promotes food growing through home and community gardens to improve the community's well-being, environment, and those facing food insecurity. “Everyone deserves fresh produce” is the [...]