Food Sovereignty and Food Access

Social Change addresses food insecurity through The Social Change Community Farm and our year-round food distribution programs serving Chicago’s South Side.

Food insecurity in Englewood and surrounding neighborhoods is the result of decades of disinvestment, grocery store closures, environmental injustice, and structural racism. Our work meets urgent needs while building long-term food sovereignty.

The Social Change Community Farm

The Social Change Community Farm transformed a vacant lot in West Englewood into active, food-producing land. The farm is officially recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and operates under Farm Number 2360.

This designation allows us to access federal agricultural programs, technical assistance, and long-term sustainability resources. It also formally establishes the farm as recognized food-producing infrastructure rooted in the community.

We grow fresh produce that is distributed directly to residents through our food bank and community events. In addition to growing food, we host hands-on workshops and volunteer days that teach residents how to grow their own food and build environmental stewardship skills.

Since September 2020, Social Change has distributed more than 900,000 pounds of free food across our programs. The farm strengthens this work by increasing local production and reducing reliance on outside supply chains.

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Community Food Bank and Hot Meals

In addition to farming, Social Change supports a weekly soup kitchen in partnership with Kenwood United Church of Christ, helping prepare and serve hot meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.

Through this partnership, we also distribute rescued groceries across Chicago’s South Side, ensuring fresh food reaches those who need it most. We extend this work by regularly stocking the Love Fridge at The Port Ministries, increasing access to free, healthy food in the community.

Our approach prioritizes dignity, consistency, and care.

Supporting Black Farmers

Social Change continues to advocate for structural reforms that address generations of discrimination against Black farmers.

We are actively supporting policy efforts, including legislation such as Illinois HB4857, which proposes the creation of a “Distressed Farmers” classification. This designation would establish targeted benefits, funding streams, and tax relief to begin correcting historic inequities in agricultural access and investment.

In addition to policy advocacy, we support Black farmers in navigating complex state and federal application processes that often limit access to critical funding and infrastructure resources.

Our goal is not only to grow food locally, but to change the systems that determine who has access to land, capital, and opportunity.

Our Vision

We are not simply distributing food. We are rebuilding neighborhood-level food systems.

We believe food sovereignty means communities growing their own food, controlling local infrastructure, and having consistent access to healthy meals.

Grow food. Build power. Change systems. See(d) Change.