Crops to Customers

This year’s Enterprise Challenge champions are Crops to Customers, led by a team of students hailing from The Collins Academy in Chicago. The team developed a business to combat food deserts and provide fresh, affordable produce to North Lawndale.

In North Lawndale, nearly 47% of the population is obese, 23% suffers from diabetes, and 40% has high blood pressure. Limited access to nutritious food exacerbates these issues. Recognizing this, Crops to Customers established a community garden on campus, growing produce like tomatoes and lettuce to sell at prices much lower than grocery stores. The garden also teaches students farming skills, supporting the emergence of Black farmers.

The initiative integrates with Chicago Public Schools’ service-learning program, engaging students in community projects while building civic and academic skills. With an initial cost of $2,141.04 for supplies, the team projects an annual profit of $885 from three garden beds. Profits will fund scholarships and provide surplus produce to local shelters.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand accessibility through partnerships with corner stores and delivery services for residents with disabilities. Flexible operations, including online pre-orders and pick-up options, ensure fresh produce reaches those in need.

Crops to Customers is transforming North Lawndale into a food-secure community while inspiring sustainable solutions for other neighborhoods. By planting the seeds of change today, they are cultivating resilience and hope.