Urban Growers Collective Integrates Community Food Navigator into Its Programs

Food Equity Organizations Unite to Empower Communities and Address Systemic Inequities

Urban Growers Collective (UGC) is excited to announce that the Community Food Navigator (the Navigator) has officially become part of UGC’s programming. This integration furthers UGC's mission to tackle inequities and systemic racism within the food system, amplifying the organization's ability to advocate for food sovereignty and justice in communities of color.

"By joining forces with the Navigator, UGC will continue its vital work of supporting and mobilizing Chicago’s food leaders, growers, and educators," said Erika Allen, CEO of Urban Growers Collective. "This partnership strengthens our collective efforts to foster food sovereignty and justice within Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities."

With the integration, UGC is excited to welcome the Navigator’s team, led by Director Nick Davis, to help further these shared goals. The Navigator will continue its work to:

• Convene Chicago’s BIPOC-growing community to foster trust and build meaningful relationships
• Coordinate and facilitate the work of food system stakeholders to address urgent and long-term priorities
• Share stories to amplify common goals and make resources more accessible
• Co-design tools, such as the Navigator App, that empower the community to operate on their own terms

Chicago’s food system is strengthened by a dynamic network of community kitchens, backyard growers, urban farms, food educators, and more. The Navigator’s transition into UGC enables both organizations to grow their capacity to support the community, collaborate on food system innovation, and challenge structural inequities.

How to Get Involved: UGC and the Community Food Navigator invite volunteers, partners, and donors to join in this important work. Support through time, resources, or financial contributions helps sustain their critical efforts. Visit urbangrowerscollective.org to learn more and get involved.

About Urban Growers Collective: Urban Growers Collective (UGC) is a Black woman-led nonprofit in Chicago that uses urban agriculture to address inequities in food access and health. By cultivating environments that support economic development, healing, and creativity, UGC works to challenge structural racism in communities of color through sustainable agriculture. Learn more at urbangrowerscollective.org.

About Community Food Navigator: The Community Food Navigator aims to build a food system rooted in justice, where communities—especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous—control food production, distribution, and governance. Its mission focuses on strengthening food sovereignty, fostering connections, and amplifying the voices of those within the Chicago food ecosystem.