With gardening gloves in hand, The GardenWorks Project actively and directly addresses food insecurity in DuPage County by increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce. We do not simply hand people food.
Through the following programs, we strengthen local food systems and equip individuals and families with the tools and resources necessary to grow their own food.
Group Home Gardens bring fresh food and meaningful activity to residents in supported living environments.
On-site garden beds provide access to produce while offering routine, responsibility, and connection. Residents participate in planting, watering, and harvesting, gaining nourishment and confidence.
These gardens strengthen daily life and deepen community engagement.
We support individuals and families facing food insecurity as they grow and harvest their own produce. Each maintains a dedicated 4X8 GardenWorks Project garden bed, located on-site at their housing community.
We support individuals who receive social services as they tend to and harvest from dedicated raised bed gardens. These gardens are located on-site at agencies, non-profits, public health facilities, and other organizations.
The GardenWorks Project proudly runs two community garden sites where all produce is grown and harvested for same-day delivery to local food pantries. Staff and volunteers also meet at these locations for “Work and Learn” hours several days a week during the growing season.
We support gardens planted on the grounds of local food pantries. Growing just steps away from the people who will take it home, the produce from these gardens is immediately available to individuals facing hardship.
The GardenWorks Project supports local food growers in their efforts to donate produce by providing a powerful tool connecting backyard gardens to local food pantries: The Fresh Food Connect App.
If you have extra produce or herbs in your own garden or have the ability to plant a row for others, you can donate directly to a nearby food pantry with support from the GardenWorks Project. Click here to find out how.
The GardenWorks Project provides education, support, and guidance to every resident, participant, guest, and volunteer that visits our gardens.
When we garden together at community events, workshops, Work and Learn hours, and other education opportunities, our collective knowledge and community impact grows.
Local farms and market sellers often have surplus produce that is not sold at the end of the day. In partnership with these food growers, we ensure that that beautiful produce does not go to waste.
By coordinating the collection and donation of produce at the close of local markets, we reduce waste, strengthen local food systems, and expand access to fresh produce for families across the county.
Are you a market contributor and want to partner with us?
The Food Growers Network is a membership program for home gardeners who want to expand fresh produce donations while growing alongside a supportive community.
As a member, you receive:
Your membership supports local food access and strengthens GardenWorks programs throughout DuPage County.
For more information, contact us at info@gardenworksproject.org.
Matt Tansley is a Land Use Planner with the Kane County Development and Community Services Department. He provides staff support for the implementation of various county long-range and strategic plans, including the Kane County 2040 Plan, the Growing for Kane Report, and the Kane County Food Hub Feasibility Study. He also coordinates the activities of the Kane County Planning Cooperative, an interdepartmental working group of planning practitioners representing the Departments of Development, Health, and Transportation, as well as publishes the group’s monthly newsletter. Matt holds a B.S. in Political Science from Bradley University and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. For the past four years, Matt has served as Secretary on The GardenWorks Project’s Board of Directors. Matt can be reached at matt@gardenworksproject.org