History
The Roots & Wings network is coordinated by Angelic Organics Learning Center. Youth and young adults are growing organic vegetables and motivating, educating, and inspiring others to be leaders and role models in their communities. The Youth Leader program educates Rockford youth (ages 12-18) to be leaders, with Youth Leaders helping teach younger kids about farming and food. Youth Leaders market their produce through the summer, earning money, job skills, and public speaking experience. Blackhawk Courts Farm & Garden (BCFG) is located within Blackhawk Courts, a Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) property. BCFG is a participatory collaboration between Blackhawk Courts youth and adult residents, Zion Outreach, RHA, and Angelic Organics Learning Center. The program was launched in 2009 and provides the residents an opportunity to learn how to grow their own organic food.
Specialties
We offer a full (weekly) and half (biweekly) CSA share for the summer, a biweekly fall share, and a honey share as well. Supporting our CSA program provides employment opportunities for Blackhawk Courts residents and allows us to purchase needed equipment and supplies in advance. By participating in our CSA program you will not only receive an abundance of fresh, locally grown vegetables, but will also contribute to our educational programs in the Blackhawk community. At the farm we grow over 40 different varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs - all of which are grown using organic practices. All vegetables are picked and packed carefully, and stored on site in our walk in cooler. We maintain the highest standards to insure your vegetables are kept fresh and are of the highest quality. We know that you have many options for purchasing your vegetables, but we invite you to join us in our 9th year of providing vegetables to the residents of Rockford and the surrounding communities. We have a limited number of summer (full, half) and fall CSA shares available, Also, you can support our program by gifting a CSA share to community members.