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Produce Farm Connections Sought by Academy for Global Citizenship
- Bob Benenson
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Sustainability-Focused Chicago Charter School Needs More Veggies and Fruit
Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC) is an extraordinary Chicago charter school with a better-for-people-and-the-planet focus. After opening in 2008 and growing in two other locations, AGC in 2023 fulfilled the "school of the future" dream of Sarah Elizabeth Ippel — its visionary founder and executive director — with the opening of its six-acre campus on the city's Southwest Side.
The school is the hub of the Cultivate Collective, which AGC describes as "a national model for holistic community revitalization that unites education, wellness, sustainability and economic vitality to create a resilient, equitable, and vibrant future for all."
I am a longtime admirer of AGC and Sarah Elizabeth. That's her in the photo above holding one of the school's chickens during my first visit way back in August 2012.
Yesterday, she sent me a note asking if I could connect her with farmers to help increase the volume of fresh, healthy, sustainable local produce that the school serves its students and faculty. Here is her explainer about what AGC needs.
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Partnering for a Healthier Future: AGC’s Farm-to-School Collaboration Invitation
At the Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), we believe that nourishing minds begins with nourishing bodies. Located in a vibrant but underserved community on the Southwest Side of Chicago, our public school serves approximately 650 students and faculty daily with wholesome breakfasts, scratch-made lunches, and nutritious afternoon snacks.
We are now looking to expand our impact by building strong partnerships with local farmers to bring more fresh, locally grown produce to our school.
What Makes AGC’s Food Program Unique?
AGC’s food program is not just about meals—it’s about wellness, sustainability, and education. Here’s how:
Plant-forward, scratch-made meals designed to promote health and support lifelong eating habits.
A focus on seasonal, minimally processed ingredients, and whenever possible, locally sourced produce.
A strong commitment to environmental sustainability, food justice, and community health.
Integrated food literacy curriculum that teaches students where their food comes from and why it matters.
Why We Want to Partner With Local Farmers
We are eager to connect with farmers who share our vision for healthy kids, thriving communities, and sustainable agriculture. Our goals are to:
Purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables for use in our school meals.
Develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with regional farmers.
Create a consistent outlet for your fresh produce with predictable volume.
Expose young people to the origins of their food and the value of regional agriculture.
What We're Looking For
We’d love to hear from farms that can offer any of the following:
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Organic or sustainably grown produce
Opportunities for educational collaboration or on-site farm visits
Flexible or small-scale distribution models
Join Us in Cultivating Change
AGC is more than a school — it’s a movement toward equitable access to high-quality education, nutritious food, and a healthy environment. We believe that when local farmers and local schools work together, we all grow stronger.
If you’re interested in learning more or exploring a partnership with us, please reach out! We’re excited to connect, hear your story, and explore how we can support one another.
Contact: Stacey Whitney, Culinary Director, Academy for Global Citizenship 📧 swhitney@agcchicago.org
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