CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- C-U at Work partnership with Prosperity Gardens and the City of Champaign Township is in full swing! The program is cultivating a wide variety of produce and even more community partnerships this year!
This unique urban agriculture operation includes two sites: First Street Farm (photo below, just south of Washington St.) and the larger North Street Farm (above photo, a few blocks north of downtown Champaign). Preparations and even some planting have begun at both sites. What’s new? An irrigation system is going in at First Street, and canopied growing beds at North Street. Both sites will also benefit from the addition of ground cover being installed in and under the raised beds. Melons and other crawling vine plants will be grown on trestles this year.
“These improvements will allow us focus our attention at either site when needed without the pressure of watering and weeding both at the same time,” says program director Nicole Musumeci. “The canopied beds will also help with insect control.” Also new this year are the addition of a variety of berry bushes and a unique way of cultivating potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers – in large growing bags (see photos of potatoes already emerging at our Facebook page).
C-U at Work employs clients from both our own shelter program as well as from the township’s Strides shelter to work at the farms. They also attend weekly TIP Workforce Development meetings led by Nicole at the township offices. TIP helps participants develop goal setting/achievement skills, navigate the employment barriers they may face, and cultivate hopes for employment success in the future.
“This is the best crew I’ve ever worked with,” Nicole says. “They get along with each other really well and are all committed, dependable, and really serious about their work and developing skills. Our TIP time has been really great. They are transparent and open and want to get everything out of this opportunity that they can.”
Two new community collaborations this year include the Veggie Van, which will bring produce directly to local neighborhoods, and plans for a summer garden party and tour at the North Street Farm that will include a stage play (more details on the event will be forthcoming)!