During a sunny morning in late July, community members along with their family and friends attended the second annual Produce in the Preserves at Eggers Grove in Chicago’s Southeast Side neighborhood. The Forest Preserves of Cook County event brought together 13 partners and vendors to distribute free produce and non-produce and share their knowledge in conservation, arts and crafts, and fitness and health.  

“For the Forest Preserves to take the initiative of making a family friendly event, taking us out of our homes and finding a day to connect to the residents of the Chicago area to the farmers, their local produce and organizations that are doings this kind of work, makes it fun and wholesome,” said Kathleen Valdez, program manager of Plant Chicago, a partner organization. 

Danielle Sykes, a member of the local community, said that by coming to Produce in the Preserves, she learned a lot from different partner organizations and won two free tickets to the Chicago Botanic Garden. 

“Events like Produce in the Preserves are important to the community because it is always important to learn something, especially when a lot of times, you don’t know what’s in your own community,” Sykes said. 

Sykes said as she was walking nearby when she saw a sign promoting Produce in the Preserves and decided to “check it out.” Apart from the free produce, she wanted to explore the Eggers Grove itself, since she had never been before. The decision to visit Eggers Grove that day enabled her to learn about garlic chives as well as purchase a jar of “delicious” cranberry honey.  

With fresh and organic produce hard to find in many parts of the city like Chicago, Southeast Side community members appreciated how close the event was from their homes.  

Amber La-Fe Draland, an East Side community member and a caregiver, said she has always looked for a nearby farmer’s market, but never found one until now. Not only does that help with a  six-month-old at home, Draland said that events like Produce in the Preserves help neighbors bond with one another. 

“It really brings us together and gives a sense of community that we kind of miss out on a lot of the times because everything is either online or it’s only in selected areas,” she explained. 

Since Draland’s baby is starting to eat purees, she said fresh vegetables is their main goal right now. With the vegetables and herbs she got from different partners and the homemade vanilla extract she got from OTIS Fresh Farm, she can’t wait to try them at home.  

Tulsi herbs, also known as holy basil, were provided by the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization for their variety of health benefits, including helping with anxiety, stress and depression.  

Although Produce in the Preserves only happens once a year during the summer, community members and partners would love for it to happen more often.  

“Everybody should feel welcome in a space, especially if it’s within their community,” said Valdez. “It’s important for organizers and coordinators to create an inclusive space where people are going to learn and embrace something new and feel comfortable exploring things that are unknown to them.”