Chicago seeks nonprofit to manage urban agriculture grants [Video]

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some vacant lots owned by the City of Chicago will soon become urban agricultural sites under a program to fund growers.

First, though, the city will need to find one nonprofit organization to administer a $2 million investment in urban agriculture. The funding is part of the Chicago Recovery Plan.

The administering organization would be tasked with doling out grants to individual growers and small organizations. Those grants would provide funding for permanent water installation, capacity building projects, and support to activate new urban agricultural sites on city-owned vacant lots.

“Urban agriculture is a tool to help fight food insecurity in communities,” said Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. “The Community Growers Program is paramount to making nutritious food more accessible for families.”

Meyer added that the program provides an “opportunity for local growers to become business owners, create jobs, and beautify neighborhoods.”

Applications for an organization …