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 for families residing on site, creating therapeutic activities for families and staff, and providing gardening education as a source of recreation.
Late 2022, The GardenWorks Project met with Samantha Schmidt, Manager of Family Services for the Ronald McDonald House near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, about ways to better utilize its campus greenspace for families staying at the House. Families at Ronald McDonald House come from across the country and the globe, often on short notice and without transportation, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana provides a home-like environment so that families can get better together. Samantha noted the high demand for fresh produce and culturally palatable choices, as well as the need for outdoor activities during their stay.
The Tony Reyes Family Foundation and CartonCraft Inc. have supported the Ronald McDonald House near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital since it opened in January 2015, as well as the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s. Proud supporters of RMHC-CNI’s mission to help children and families get better together and access high-quality care, The Tony Reyes Family Foundation and CartonCraft Inc. met with GardenWorks in late 2022 and generously granted funding for a 3-year garden project. “Nothing brings families together better than food and fun. We are proud to partner with GardenWorks and the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield on this project” says President & CEO, Tony Reyes.
The GardenWorks Project has been improving food access since 2012, promoting health and wellness and providing households with the resources and knowledge to grow food for themselves. The organization promotes organic food production and sustainable practices that reduce food waste and improve the health of people and our planet. Believing that everyone deserves fresh produce, Gardenworks works to create a more resilient and reliable local food system, accessible to all.
The missions of these three organizations are closely connected, serving the health and well-being of individuals in DuPage County, which makes this partnership unique and impactful. “Ronald McDonald House is thrilled to work with GardenWorks to provide a safe outdoor space of respite and learning for families,” says Samantha. “We are so excited to try new recipes with our fresh veggies! Thank you to GardenWorks and Tony Reyes Family Foundation for this amazing opportunity!”
The GardenWorks Project is grateful to the Tony Reyes Family Foundation for their support in expanding fresh food access and wellness in Winfield. GardenWorks relies on volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors to fulfill its mission to improve food security and well-being for our neighbors.
To learn more about The GardenWorks Project and become a donor, sponsor, or volunteer, visit:
Web: gardenworksproject.org | FB: @TheGardenWorksProject | IG: gardenworksproject
Tony Reyes Family Foundation: thetonyreyesfamilyfoundation.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana: http://ronaldhousechicago.org