Comer Crops Farm

“I would spend summers in elementary school at grandparent’s house, and my sister would make us garden with her. And then in high school, she got chickens and we took care of them. She donated six of her chickens to this farm. I’ve always wanted my own farm or just a big space that I can garden because of her. I’m happy that in my adulthood I was reintroduced to green spaces through the help of Comer Crops. The program helped me recall my passion for growing. Everything I learn on the farm I use to make my home garden come to life” —Camryn Miguest Camryn Miguest, 24, Comer Crops Crew Leader is pursuing full-time employment in food sovereignty and community-based work. Photo @corydewald #comercrops #garycomeryouthcenter #earthmonth

"My gardening career began here, and it was coming back full circle because I'm actually into it. I began in 2014, as an after-school activity. [Then] I was looking for money and something to do with myself [and found] this opportunity with Green Teens." —Anthony Bonds Anthony Bonds, 24, former Green Teen & current Comer Crops Crew member. Photo @corydewald #comercrops #garycomeryouthcenter #earthmonth

“I fortunately had a grandmother who loved gardening, and she had this giant pear tree in her backyard. I would sit with her and weed the flowers with her until I go, all right, I'm bored. And then I'd run inside. My grandmother ignited my love for the environment and plant learning which is why I'm a farmer and planning on having my own farm one day." —Kelly Jones This month, we’re celebrating everyone working to understand and care for the Earth. Kelly Jones, 24, Comer Crops Crew Beekeeping Lead. After her first summer on the farm, Kelly secured a second internship with our beekeeping partner The Hive Supply where she is now training to care for bees all over the city and gaining valuable farmers market experience. She is an entrepreneur working to launch her own tea company with the management and agriculture skills gained on the Comer Crops Youth Farm. Photo @corydewald #comercrops #garycomeryouthcenter #earthmonth

Our Civil Rights Learning Journey was extraordinary! Thank you to our youth members, family, and staff who joined us in Montgomery, AL. We’re so grateful for this special opportunity to learn about and discuss the history of slavery in America and honor the millions of people who endured its brutality. It was truly inspiring to learn about all the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement who fought to address the inequities and disinvestment that endure today. Our youth and families will be sharing personal insights and a video recap of the truly transformational experience this trip provides to participants. @legacymuseum @eji_org @comercrops #learningjourney #comercenter

“I didn't have much experience with farming. I've grown a little bit of plants on the side, but nothing too major. The thing that made me fall in love with it is coming into adulthood and realizing how hard it is to secure food that's healthy on a consistent basis. It’s just giving me so many ideas for what I want my life to look like — sustainable practices and not going to McDonald's every day.“ This month, we’re celebrating everyone working to understand and care for the Earth. Jabari Ermon, 20, is a Comer Crops Crew member approaching modern problems in sustainability through a creative lens. Photo @corydewald #comercrops #garycomeryouthcenter #earthmonth

The Comer Crops Crew and Green Teens took part in the National MANRRS Conference in Chicago. With over 2,000 students and professionals from all over the country, MANRRS promotes professional development, diversity and equity in the agricultural field. GCYC youth hosted tours of our unique youth-led farm, took part in job readiness workshops and networked with over 200 companies and universities. We’re so proud of the work they put into this conference. We’re already planning for next year! #MANRRS #MANRRS38

Hey Teen Artists! Deadline for the Chicago Youth Art Expo at @thestudyatuniversityofchicago is April 3rd! We’re proud to partner with event creators and producers @pigmentintl and the Four Arts Men to help showcase youth art talent from across Chicago. Click link in bio to submit your art or RSVP as our special guest while space remains! This is an official Community Anchor event. All are welcome with advanced signup! Thank you @chifamsupport @mychimyfuture and all of our Community Anchor partners! #youthartexpo #chicagoyouthart #dreamexpo #comercenter #comercampus

Our youth-produced Black Love Cafe was a beautiful celebration of Black History Month and St. Valentine’s Day where we hosted our annual flower sale, bake sale, handmade t-shirt sale, healthy food/juice demos from our farm partners @homegirlshummus @freshrawnatural and @goddessgoodfood Then afterwards, our Youth Leadership Council hosted their first Open Mic and Snack & Paint. This wonderful showcase of Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy was produced by members on our Culinary team and Urban Ag crew. We could not be more proud of their tireless effort and thoughtful execution of this memorable event. #blackhistorymonth #blacklovecafe #comercampus #comercenter

To prep for our Black Love Cafe member event on Valentine’s Day our Comer Crops, Green Teens, and Culinary Crew printed original Black History Month themed t-shirts,crafted decorations, designed cards, tie-dyed shirts, and more. We couldn’t be more excited for the flower sales, baked goods, open mike, snack & paint, and more at this special youth-led celebration!

Family Nite has got us feeling alright! Click link in the bio to sign up now for scavenger hunts, family trivia, delicious food, party games, and more we have in store for ALL Comer Campus families! Let’s have some family fun together TOMORROW! #onecomer #comercampus #comercenter #e

Because of farms and organizations like you, Chicago is thriving! This is our love letter to one of the most beautiful days of the 2023 season. We're deeply inspired by our first visit to the Chicago Urban Ag Crawl & Backyard BBQ presented by @growinghome @growgreaterenglewood @urbangrowerscollective The journey started with a variety of fresh dishes from talented chefs like @tacoselhongomagico , Chef LaQuandra of LaFairs Fresh Bites, Chef David of Eating to Live and @majanivegancuisine that fueled our trip. With 14 tour stops to pick from there was plenty to keep us busy, we had the honor of visiting @sistasinthevillage , @catatumbo_coop , @dusablecityancestralwinery , @cedillofreshproduce and @garycomeryouthcenter on our ag experience. Next it was time to celebrate at the GGE Village Plaza with more delicious food from plant based chefs like @mooonchild_infusions . Lastly we caught an incredible performance along with a Grow Greater Englewood @halfacrebeer IPA and learned about @thatsours a community brand chocolate bar making a positive impact in the Illinois market. Thank you to the farmers and chefs for growing abundance into our communities. We had an incredible time at this event and will cherish it for seasons to come! FOLLOW, SUPPORT, VOLUNTEER with these orgs in 2024. 👉🏼🥦🌿 #gardenaofinstagram #explorechicago #urbanagriculture #chicago #farming #farmtotable #community #sustainability #foodsovereignty #healthiswealth #fresh #organic #growing #abundance #explore #agriculture