Chicago nonprofit gets funds to train farmers

CHICAGO — A Chicago nonprofit group is getting a $300,000 grant to equip and train up to 50 local urban farmers.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the new funding Friday for Growing Power's Farmers For Chicago Program. The money comes from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and its Community Food Project awards.

The three-year project will train the new farmers and provide them with agricultural equipment. Their produce will be sold in neighborhood stores.

Growing Power also announced Friday that their locally grown produce is now available in 10 Chicago-based Walgreens stores. The organization operates at five locations throughout the city.