Urban Farming at the Mission

5/3/2010

Rockford, IL – Saturday, May 1 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the “Green Thumbs” group from the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Rockford put some sweat equity into the gardening project they designed for Rockford Rescue Mission. The garden, which has 16 raised beds, is located in the lot west of Horsman between West State and Mulberry (immediately west of the Mission’s building at 715 West State).

Each year not-for-profit organizations submit project ideas for the groups’ consideration. Rockford Rescue Mission’s urban gardening project was one that was selected.

Leadership Rockford is a program operated by the Chamber of Commerce to enhance awareness of business, government and civic issues and opportunities through an interactive process and motivate direct involvement in business and community leadership.  Emerging leaders are selected to participate in the Leadership Rockford Program. Whether new to the community, newly promoted within their place of business, or just eager to become more involved in the Rockford area, participants have already displayed a level of leadership. Members of the class represent a wide range of backgrounds: business, government, the professions, social services, the arts, and many others. The diversity of the class forms a dynamic cross-section of varying personal and professional viewpoints and perspectives.

Members of the Leadership Rockford group that undertook this project include:

Benjamin Hunter [Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems], Christopher Manuel [CMM & Associates], Catherine Povalitis [American Cancer Society-Northern Region], Chris Samuelson [Thermo Scientific Pierce Protein Research], Theresa Sellers [Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau] and Rusti Swanson [JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA].

“The Mission is currently serving, on average, 414 meals each day,” states Chris Eldridge, Director of Men’s Program at the Mission. “Fresh vegetables healthier than canned ones, but they are expensive. We are fortunate to keep some things donated during harvest time but not nearly enough to serve fresh veggies every day. By having our own garden, two things will be accomplished: we will increase the amount of fresh vegetables we serve; and, we will teach our residents how to garden for themselves. We couldn’t be more grateful to this group of young leaders and to Home Depot for funding the garden.”