Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, often labeled a food desert, is witnessing a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to fresh food. The Farm to Table trolley tour, launched this year, is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Crystal Dyer of Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures and Veah Larde, market manager at the Austin Town Hall City Market. This initiative seeks to educate residents about local fresh food sources and promote healthier eating habits.
The trolley tour stops at various local markets and gardens, including the Austin Town Hall Market and PCC Austin Farm. Participants, like Cynthia Streeter and Darryl Bolling-Petross, have praised the program for its dual focus on fun and functionality. Streeter described the tour as “absolutely beautiful,” while Bolling-Petross emphasized the importance of learning to grow one’s own vegetables in a food desert.
Crystal Dyer highlighted the health benefits of the initiative, noting the prevalence of kidney and heart disease in the community. She collaborated with DePaul University to conduct health disparity mapping, which informed the project’s development. Veah Larde expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s impact on children, who are often amazed by the gardening process and eager to learn about different fruits and vegetables.
Dominque Stevens, senior manager at Windy City Harvest, underscored the program’s role in raising awareness about available fresh food resources. Stevens pointed out that many residents are unaware of the local options for fresh produce, making the trolley tour an essential educational tool.
See “Chicago trolley tour transforming access to fresh food” (August 29, 2024)
