To provide conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and communities, including juveniles required to perform community service, across the chicagoland area, and downstate…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement to Urban Transformation Network, a minority-owned non-profit organization, on February 22, 2024. This award under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902) will provide conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and communities, including juveniles required to perform community service, across the Chicagoland area and downstate Illinois. The funding will support Urban Transformation Network's ongoing initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, increase access to locally grown produce, and address issues of food insecurity and health disparities in urban areas. Key activities include developing urban farms, introducing gardening and farming principles to underserved groups, providing training on crop production and nutrition, and raising awareness about the link between obesity and chronic health disparities.

To provide conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and communities, including juveniles required to perform community service, across the chicagoland area, and downstate illinois.