Our Locations

Growing practices at Soil & Soul utilize ecological methods to maintain the health and integrity of the earth and provide some of the freshest, fairest, and most nutritional produce in the area.  No-chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides are ever used on your food.  Some of our practices include:

1. Compost and Cover Crops:

Our on-site compositing operation breaks down organic matter and transforms it into nutrients for the soil. Our cover crops are carefully selected to fix nitrogen and protect living soil from damage and erosion.

2. Water Management

The use of swales and on-contour trenching allows us to slow, sink, and spread the natural flow of water to rehydrate the landscape, effectively “planting” the rain.

3. No-Till Gardening

Raised beds and heavy mulches dramatically reduce the presence of weeds and increase soil vitality by preventing compaction, maintaining moisture, and supporting healthier, stronger plant roots.

4. Integrative Pest Management

Intensive inter-cropping and species selection increases biological diversity and naturally levels any predatory imbalance.

See below to learn more about each of our locations.

 

 

equitable food access

Each year, we grow 10,000 lbs of food and donate 99% of it to those facing food insecurity in the Chicagoland area. We maximize our impact by partnering with organizations and groups capable of reaching these populations directly.

  • The Ark
  • Chesed Chicago

Additionally, the Institute of Soil and Soul's off-site pay-what-you-can Farm Stands reach hundreds of community members each year.

Educational, environmental, and social engagement

Our comprehensive education programs reach hundreds of students
each year. Youth and adults of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities experience
hands-on learning through field trips and experiential programs to enhance
environmental and social awareness. Our education partners include:

  • JCC Chicago
  • Hillel at Northwestern University
  • Jewish United Fund (Early Childhood Department, Hebrew Innovation Program, Lewis Summer Internship)
  • Keshet
  • National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)
  • Repair the World
  • Walder Science Laboratory
  • Birthright Israel Foundation
  • NCSY

Jewish life

Each year, we welcome hundreds of all faiths and backgrounds at Jewish agricultural festivals and other events that connect people to the land, Jewish tradition, and each other through shared values and earth stewardship. Our Jewish institution partners include:

  • Anshe Tikvah
  • Moriah Congregation
  • Congregation Hakafa
  • Temple Beth Israel
  • Temple Har Zion
  • Temple Jeremiah