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Winthrop Garden

Sustainable Food Systems

Sustainable Food Systems

Modern industrial food systems maximize short-term profits while creating severe environmental and social problems. This research group develops more sustainable approaches to producing and distributing food. The group aims to advance practices that benefit the environment while helping low-income communities access healthy, affordable food. Team members connect theory and practice, conducting applied research, piloting sustainable food programs, and engaging students in hands-on learning opportunities. 

We believe that access to fresh, healthy produce should be available to everyone, regardless of income level, race, and location.

How we're addressing food system issues

Equity

We accept government subsidized coupons and vouchers at our Farmers Market. We donate leftover produce to local food pantries. We also discuss the history of slavery and how it shaped our modern food system and affected generational wealth.

Land use

Developing land leads to biodiversity loss. By maximizing production on a small scale and in urban areas, we reduce the need to continually develop new “wild” lands for food production.

Organic

We learn about specific organic methods including soil health management, pest management practices, and labor.

Inputs

A "circular economy" involves using waste material from one process as an input for another process. Many of our student projects are focused on this key environmental concept. For example, we use brewery waste for growing mushrooms.

Our Programs and Faculty

Community Impact

student carrying a bin of vegetables
Initiatives

SES Urban Agriculture Program Celebrates 10 Years

The School of Environmental Sustainability's Urban Agriculture Program is celebrating 10 years since its founding. The program provides food for local farmers' markets and restaurants and serves the community through donations to local food pantries.

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colorful peppers
Student Research

Students Study Food Justice in the Chicago Region

Several SES students have engaged in research that aims to contribute to a more just food system.

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Community Impact

Alternative Break Immersion trip gives back to community

Loyola alums running a farm and retreat center in West Virginia live in harmony with the earth—and their community.

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Student Research Opportunities

Resources and Research Initiatives

Students, faculty, and staff are committed to investigate industrial agriculture of Chicago and understand its impacts on a local, national and global scale through work in the classroom, locally in Chicago, and at the LUREC campus. When an issue is explored, discussed and researched, the Loyola community responds in ways that seek to create solutions - from our local Farmer's Market to our research on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems

Other Focus Areas

Students, faculty, and staff are committed to investigate industrial agriculture of Chicago and understand its impacts on a local, national and global scale through work in the classroom, locally in Chicago, and at the LUREC campus. When an issue is explored, discussed and researched, the Loyola community responds in ways that seek to create solutions - from our local Farmer's Market to our research on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems