Notes from Chicagoland

Emily Schiffer sent us updates from her project in Chicago, where she is documenting the health impact of food deserts and the burgeoning organic urban farming movement, which provides an increasing number of healthy food options to at-risk communities.

A girl and her brother buy food at the corner store, whose shelves are stocked with a wide variety of chips, candy, and soda. Like many similar establishments, there is no unprocessed or natural food available. Chicago, 2011.

After harvesting lettuce, interns at Growing Home Inc prepare the field for new seedlings. Growing home is a non-profit organization that provides job training through organic agriculture. It is a stepping stone program that serves people with a variety of backgrounds, including those who were formerly incarcerated, or recovering from substance abuse. Chicago, 2011.

Section of the unrefrigerated soda selection, corner store, Auburn Gresham, South Side, Chicago, 2011.