Blackhawk Courts Farm and Garden is a ½-acre community-led organic farm and community garden on the grounds of Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) Blackhawk Courts public housing property in Rockford, IL.
The farm program engages youth and adult apprentices in educational programming and on-site markets. They sell produce grown on the farm through a 44-member, 10- and 5-week CSA, on- and off-site farm stands, and “We-Pick Wednesday” events, where community members are able to come to the farm, and we pick their vegetable selections fresh. At the community garden, Blackhawk Court residents can pick produce at any time for free. Their $4,100 grant will allow them to carry out soil testing, create compost, cover crops, and plant perennials to help improve soil health and attract and support pollinators.
