Schaumburg, Illinois
Like many communities across the U.S., the village of Schaumburg was looking for a way to stem a growing tide of obesity among its residents.
Village leaders learned of the Model Community Grant, which was awarding $4 million in obesity prevention funding to selected agencies in suburban Cook County.
The village wanted to come up with a project that involved residents of all ages and that promoted healthy eating.
In the spring of 2011, with community grant funds, the village’s Intergenerational Produce Garden planted its first crops.
The garden occupies a 40-foot by 72-foot space on previously underutilized municipal property, conveniently located adjacent to village-funded centers for teens and seniors as well as a park district preschool program.
To make the garden accessible to everyone, its design included wide pathways and raised beds, allowing all who are interested, regardless of physical limitations, to participate in planting, tending, and harvesting the produce.
The garden has produced a wide variety of vegetables and herbs, including lettuce, tomatoes, squash, peppers, beans, cucumbers, radishes, eggplant, potatoes, onions, corn, and peas. The garden is feeding hundreds of village residents: its produce goes into meals and snacks served at the teen and senior centers and to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry, for use by local families-in-need.
Village Manager Brian Townsend came to Schaumburg after the garden was well established, though he has been a strong advocate for the project. Since the garden started with a grant, Brian has ensured that it is to be sustained by donations and other contributions so that little to no tax dollars are used.
Besides its crops, the garden has been a success in seeding new connections in the community.
About 25 volunteers, ranging in age from 10 to 90, work regularly in the garden.
“I might be 80 years old, but this is my first experience working in a garden and I love it!” said one volunteer. “It means even more when we can enjoy the end result in our salad bar at the senior center — there’s nothing better than a fresh tomato!”
“My favorite part is seeing how quickly the vegetables start growing after we plant them,” said one of the teen volunteers. “I also enjoy that we can bring so many things to the food pantry!”
At a time when people’s busy lives tend to result in disconnection and stress, Schaumburg residents have found rewards in getting back to basics and their hands dirty together.
Meet the Manager
