Join COD Community Farm's Partner Share Program

Join the Partner Share program and support the College of DuPage Community Education Farm, which benefits low-income families in DuPage County.

Each year, the COD Community Education Farm produces organic vegetables and fruits and distributes them to low-income residents primarily through the People's Resource Center. Through the Partner Share program, people can purchase shares in the upcoming harvest – a full share costs $100 or a half share costs $50. Shares can be purchased by individuals, families or groups/organizations.

“The program is similar to a Community Supported Agriculture project, which allows urban consumers to enjoy and support small, independent farms by buying a share of the harvest in advance and then receiving a weekly box of produce throughout the season,” said Deborah Adelman, professor of English and faculty co-director of the farm. “In our program, the partners purchase shares, but they donate their weekly basket to the People's Resource Center's Food Market, which we deliver on their behalf.

“This program ensures that our project is able to fulfill its mission while also raising necessary funds.”

In 2003, the Community Education Farm was created as a result of an honors course taught by COD faculty members. The farm, which is located on the west side of campus, is run and managed by COD staff and students, and the food is grown by a combination of students and community volunteers.

“Our mission is to provide fresh, organic food for those who need it and to educate the community at large, through direct participation, about the importance of organic agriculture for community health, food security and good land stewardship,” Adelman said. “Our future goal is to offer a CSA arrangement so partners can also enjoy the produce grown at the farm.”

To purchase a share, please send a check made payable to the COD Foundation, specifically identified for the Community Education Farm Partner Share Program, to Deborah Adelman, Liberal Arts Division, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599. You can also donate online at: www.cod.edu/foundation/give.htm. Just select “Community Farm” from the list of funds.

For more information, contact Adelman at (630) 942-3406, e-mail Adelman@cod.edu, or Shamili Sandiford, faculty co-director, at (630) 942-2123, e-mail sandifor@cod.edu.