In Chicago, the Community Food Navigator is spearheading efforts to achieve food sovereignty for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities on the city’s South and West sides. Founded in 2020, the Navigator was created to unite various groups working to feed people during the pandemic. Sydney Coyle, the Communications and Engagement Manager, describes the Navigator as a central hub connecting growers, producers, educators, and consumers to build a food system based on justice and sovereignty.

The Navigator’s app is instrumental in sharing information about urban farms, gardens, job opportunities, mentorships, volunteer positions, and agricultural goods. Ticina Williams, a manager at a farmer’s market, emphasized the transformative impact of the program, stating, “We’ve seen the transformation of vacant lots into places where healthy food grows, where soil is nurtured, where education happens, where jobs are created, and the community thrives as a result.”

Food insecurity remains a significant issue in Chicago, particularly in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods. According to the 2023 Chicago Food Equity Council Annual Report, 56 to 85 percent of the population in these areas faces food insecurity, compared to one in six residents citywide. Williams shared her personal experience, noting the lack of grocery stores and the prevalence of liquor stores in her neighborhood, Washington Park. She explained, “If I want to get anything healthy, I have to go several miles west,” highlighting the structural barriers to food access.

Lisa Tallman, the Navigator’s Executive Director, pointed out the long-standing impact of discriminatory policies like redlining, which have made it difficult for Black and Brown communities to secure land and resources for food production. Despite these challenges, the Community Food Navigator focuses on abundance and resilience rather than scarcity. Tallman emphasized Chicago’s leadership in urban agriculture, stating, “Chicago is on the forefront of urban agriculture nationally. It is through the Navigator that we want to tell these stories. Of agricultural innovations, of traditions kept alive by Black urban farmers, of community care.”

The Community Food Navigator’s efforts represent a significant step toward food sovereignty and justice in Chicago. By providing a central hub for resources and connections, the Navigator empowers communities to take control of their food systems and build a more equitable and sustainable future. This initiative not only addresses immediate food needs but also fosters long-term solutions through community engagement, education, and empowerment.