CHICAGO — In a neighborhood long burdened by food insecurity and safety concerns, a student-led food delivery initiative is bringing fresh produce—and hope—to the doorsteps of Austin residents.
Fresh Produce Delivered to Chicago’s West Side
Austin, a neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, is considered a food desert by many residents. With just two grocery stores within a 5-mile radius, finding fresh fruits and vegetables is not only inconvenient—it’s nearly impossible for seniors and home-bound residents without transportation.
“Even if you do find produce, it’s not always fresh,” said Melody, a resident in her 40s who lives alone in Austin and declined to share her last name for safety reasons. “In certain areas, there’s crime and predators. They stand alone and watch you. They know your schedule.”
That’s why Melody now relies on deliveries from Austin Harvest, a student-run produce market operated by By The Hand Club For Kids. Every two weeks, volunteers show up at her doorstep with a 25-pound box filled with apples, oranges, bananas, lettuce, celery, sweet potatoes, and more. “It’s like a gift,” she said. “It lets us stay inside and safe.”
A Youth Movement Making a Difference
Austin Harvest launched in 2020 on the site of a former liquor store on Laramie Avenue. What began as a pop-up for community transformation has grown into a lifeline for 36 households and counting. The produce is sourced and packaged in partnership with Beyond Hunger, a hunger-relief organization based in Oak Park.
Tamiko Saami, home-delivery procurement coordinator for Beyond Hunger, said the program focuses on communities like Austin where access to fresh groceries is extremely limited.
“Austin is a particular one because it is a food desert,” Saami said. “People just don’t have access to fresh produce, and so this has become our priority.”
The deliveries include:
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A monthly box of shelf-stable groceries and produce
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A second fresh-produce-only box mid-month to bridge nutritional gaps
Saami recalled one woman who credited the program with helping her lose 65 pounds. “She attributed that to the fresh produce we deliver,” Saami said.
Changing the Narrative for Chicago Youth
Among the volunteers is 19-year-old Keith Tankson, a student at Wilbur Wright Community College and a lifelong Austin resident. Tankson says the experience is deeply personal.
“This shouldn’t be a necessity in our community,” he said. “But as long as it is, we’re here to provide. I want to rewrite the narrative for youth in Austin—we don’t always get seen in the best light.”
Tankson grew up in a household that sometimes lacked access to produce. Like many Austin residents, his family didn’t own a car. “We rely on public transportation, and on a hot day like this, everything spoils by the time you get home.”
The initiative, now delivering food every two weeks, not only meets nutritional needs but fosters safety, trust, and empowerment among residents and youth alike.
Do you live in or near a Chicago food desert? Share your thoughts on how youth-led efforts like Austin Harvest can shape the future of community care. Leave your comment below or connect with us on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
