911ÖÆÆ·³§

911ÖÆÆ·³§ Local Garden Program 

We pride ourselves on implementing organic farming practices for two of our garden locations, Edible Acre I and Edible Acre II, and becoming . Organic farming prohibits the use of any synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is also proud to provide essential elements of wildlife habitats, including food, water, cover, and places to raise young. Our  has been received through the National Wildlife Federation. Visit the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Gardens web page to learn more about our garden locations. 

Preparation & Maintenance

To plan for the growing season, The Talking Farm and 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Nutrition Services decide on a specific crop selection. Preferences are based on what cafeterias need and want, as well as summer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes. In order to get the most out of our garden, season extension is practiced by covering plants or seeds during colder months to increase temperature and prevent early frost. This allows more time for produce to grow and increases the food supply for the year.

Adhering to organic farming practices takes time, effort, and a solid integrated pest management (IPM) system. Together these variables help to minimize possible contaminants and pests as well as improve the growth of plants and produce. Each season cover cropping, crop rotations, mulching, inter-planting, and composting help ensure our needs are met. The IPM system is the first approach before using any organic pesticides. The system starts with a clean site, healthy soil, and proper plant placement. From there, physical barriers such as insect netting are used to prevent insects from eating the produce. Next, larger predatory insects such as beetles may be specifically handpicked, and finally, natural- or plant-based sprays may be used if necessary to target harmful insects. Good cultural practices have resulted in very low levels of pest problems over the years.

Student Involvement

911ÖÆÆ·³§  plays a major role in management, planning, and working with students in the Edible Acre (EA). There are many ways students can get involved in the program, starting with attending weekly after-school gardening sessions to learn more about gardening and sustainability practices. We also partner with the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Community Service Club for students who want to fulfill volunteer hours by working in the garden.

Enrolling in the Urban Agriculture course taught at 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is another way to get involved that uses the EA as the classroom. Students from the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Transition House also come to the garden throughout the week to learn about gardening, job skills, and a chance to be outside and be physically active. 

Through , 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students are hired to work in the garden throughout the summer. This is a great opportunity to make some money, have fun being outdoors, and learn the importance of growing local organic food.

What do we do with the harvest? 

All harvest from all garden areas is used and consumed in the student and staff cafeterias at 911ÖÆÆ·³§ during the regular school year and during summer school. In addition, romaine lettuce from the garden is used to make salads for the . Any additional harvest is sold to faculty, staff and school board members during a 24-week CSA program.

911ÖÆÆ·³§ Farm-to-School Program

Evanston Township High School 202 is participating in the Illinois State Board of Education Local Food in Schools funding opportunity for the 2023-24 school year. Nutrition Services believes in supporting our local Illinois growers and producers, and we love to introduce our students to the best of Illinois-grown and produced foods. Throughout the school year, students will have the chance to try new, local foods in the cafeterias and through taste tests. 

Current local menu offerings include:

• Eggs,
• Green Leaf Lettuce,
• Apple Varieties,
• Green Curly Kale,

To learn more about our ongoing taste tests and local producers, please visit our “” Toolkit.