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 production at these Wheaton gardens to help our 50+ food assistance partners meet the ever-increasing demand for fresh produce.  

As we prepare the garden beds and begin planting cold hardy crops, we are pleased to share some of our season kickoff opportunities and initiatives: 

NEW PROJECT:  Glenbard North High School

We have partnered with Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream to provide food growing opportunities for their campus vocational training program. Four garden beds will enable students to grow produce for themselves and for Neighborhood Food Pantries and Lutheran Church of the Master food pantry.  This learning opportunity for the students, promoting good nutrition, self-sufficiency, and physical activity outdoors, will expand fresh food access to the Glenbard North community and their neighbors in need. 

SPRING SEEDLING SALE
Stock up on high quality, organic seedlings after a long winter cooped up indoors and support the organization’s mission of fighting hunger from the ground up. For every plant purchased, three plants are donated to local families and organizations who are experiencing food insecurity in DuPage County. You can pre-order online and pick up your order May 19 – 20.  Supplies are limited. The Gardenworks’ Spring Seedling Sale is held in partnership with DeKalb Community Gardens. 

GO LOCAL – GROW LOCAL: Berger Bros Pub | Manbot Coffee Roasters, Winfield

Announcing a new fundraising program, Go Local – Grow Local, a partnership opportunity for local businesses interested in growing their customer base and giving back to their community.  Two Winfield businesses are our first 2023 partners – Berger Bros Pub donated 15% of their sales to GardenWorks Project on March 15th and Manbot Coffee Roasters is donating a percentage of their sales from The Station during the month of May.  

LUNCH ‘N LEARNS

We offer free Lunch ‘n Learns for businesses and civic organizations that desire to educate their community on the important topics of food security and food waste, and their environmental and societal impact.  Contact us today to engage your community in this timely topic. info@gardenworksproject.org

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate sponsor support makes projects like Glenbard North possible.  If you own or work for a company that cares for social impact, environmental stewardship, and volunteer engagement, partner with The GardenWorks Project! We offer recognition opportunities and arrange custom volunteer events, offering a team building opportunity to make a difference in their local community. Join the efforts towards stronger local food security and greater food access.