The Eden Restoration Project, founded in 2018, was born of a simple concept:
How do we get more fresh food to our community?
Local foods can be more expensive, difficult to get, and in limited supply. Grocery stores seemed are often more concerned with the bottom line than the nutrition content of their produce. And many local farms are taking the easy route of growing corn and soybeans because everything else is too risky.
Eden Restoration Project’s first initiative was to grow more food. We’ve installed over two dozen food gardens since our start and we currently are helping operate 6 locations in Waukegan and North Chicago. These are free access gardens where people can come to grow their own food, or access our public growing spaces to grab a quick meal. Our future plans are to make sure that every school, church, and park has a food forest included in their design.
Our second initiative was to figure out how to get local foods easily. We launched our online farmer’s market in 2020 and currently work with 28 growers and food producers (over 700 products) to increase direct-from-farm buying. www.TasteOfEdenMarket.com is a unique experience where you get to choose the farm your produce or products are coming from, and get it delivered right to your door. We currently serve all of Lake County, Chicago, North and West Cook County, and Southeastern WI. You’ll find live plants, locally made goods, and seasonal produce options to tempt any taste bud.
We are looking for volunteers and partners that want to join us on our food access mission. To find out how to help, visit www.EdenRestorationProject.org and send us a note. We’ll be happy to connect, keep you informed of volunteer opportunities, or assist with your growing plans.
Michael J. Brankin
Chief Mulch Mover
PH: 847-239-2232
GoGreen@edenrestorationproject.org
