Empowering Youth through Austin Harvest: A Teen-led Market in Chicago
Chicago’s West Side is now home to a unique teen-led market that has evolved from a temporary pop-up to a permanent fixture in the community. Austin Harvest, spearheaded by high school students, is a project of the nonprofit By The Hand Club For Kids, and it represents a dream come true for many involved.
From Pop-up to Permanence: The Growth of Austin Harvest
What started as a one-season pop-up event during the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. The market, staffed entirely by students, operates out of a 2,220-square-foot space with an open-air courtyard serving as a gathering place for local residents. Despite its humble beginnings, Austin Harvest now attracts an average of 100 customers per week, with a significant portion receiving SNAP benefits and farmers market coupons.
A Sustainable Future: The Mission of Austin Harvest
Austin Harvest is more than just a market—it’s a hub of empowerment and education for the youth involved. Students gain hands-on experience in budgeting, ordering, and customer relations, all while earning an educational stipend and course credit. With a focus on providing fresh produce and flowers year-round, Austin Harvest aims to serve the community for generations to come. Partnering with organizations like Jewel-Osco and Flowers For Dreams, the market also strives to expand its model to other neighborhoods in Chicago.
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