Mission Statement
SPROUT! Farmers' Market is a youth leadership enterprise ages five to 21. We are empowered to create socioeconomic change in communities by improving quality of life with access to healthy, fresh food, education, training, employment,, and community involvement through our farmers market. We uphold environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
Description
We aim to create and sustain a vibrant, thriving, and innovative market that supports and nurture Illinois local and regional sustainable farms, producers/growers, and artisan-based businesses; to provide access to the highest quality, healthy fresh local food in a venue that cultivates a relationship between farmer, artisans, youth, and customers.
Along with providing access to locally and regionally produced farm products, producer-only and value-added products; in the not too distant future, we aim to host, and support our community’s rich multicultural talents and youth in all areas of sustainable initiatives; including, gardening (produce, flowers, plants, herbs), composting, permaculture, homemade baked goods, jams, jellies, cheese, and crafts through training, nutritional/food safety education, and special events in the interest of the public good.
This year we are relationship-building and fundraising. SPROUT! plans to partner with the South Holland Farmers' Market. We will purchase and/or lease necessary equipment, tools, and produce and horticulture from our sister organization Chicago Lights Urban Farm, a youth-led farm.
We hope that by the end of the season, we will have enough funding for SPROUT! to premier in the 2016 season.
