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Mad Farmer Tour Celebrates Local Leaders in Chicago

This weekend, the Mad Farmer Tour will take center stage in Chicago, organized by Tractor Beverage Company to honor two remarkable grassroots leaders. On Saturday, the event will recognize Dianne Hodges from the South Merrill Community Garden and Patty Carillo from Jardin de las Rosas, both of whom have transformed vacant land into thriving community gardens. Each leader will be awarded a $5,000 grant as part of Tractor's $20,000 investment aimed at revitalizing the South and West Side neighborhoods.

The Mad Farmer Tour is more than just an event; it embodies Tractor Beverage's ongoing commitment to support food system changemakers. Inspired by Wendell Berry's poem featuring the Mad Farmer, it aims to uplift those who walk a different path towards a sustainable future. This tour, which will visit various cities across the country, celebrates the efforts of farmers, organizers, and everyday heroes who foster connection and resilience in the heart of their communities.

Jahmal Cole, the Founder and CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City, emphasizes the significance of these gardens: “The oases these block club captains have nurtured don't just interrupt trauma—they replace it with possibility. Their gardens create a ripple of hope that becomes a wave of change, starting on the block but reaching far beyond it.”

Alex Ring, the Director of Community at Tractor Beverage Company, shared the mission behind the tour: “We believe in supporting the bold—the Mad Farmers who turn soil into hope. This event is dedicated to honoring their work and ensuring it flourishes.”

Additionally, Saturday's gathering will include a community meal prepared by local vendors, an opportunity for public recognition led by Jahmal Cole, and a preview of free monthly cooking classes hosted by Chef Helmy Saadon of Miru, the St. Regis Chicago. Attendees can also expect to receive 100 produce vouchers from the Urban Growers Collective redeemable at mobile markets.

The Mad Farmer Tour event is set to take place on May 10, from 4 PM to 6 PM, at 1130 N. Monticello Ave, Chicago, IL. This stop is an integral part of Tractor's broader initiative to create a network of changemakers dedicated to improving food systems in their local communities. By partnering with innovative leaders like Jahmal Cole, Tractor Beverage aims to close the Hope Gap, which refers to the disparities in access to healthy food and transparent food systems.

Tractor Beverage Company specializes in crafting Certified Organic and Non-GMO beverages, focusing exclusively on the foodservice market. Their commitment to transparency is exemplified through their Organic Impact Tracker, while the Mad Farmer Tour sparks critical conversations around food, farming practices, and the future of the industry.

For more information about this empowering initiative or to track the Mad Farmer Tour's stops, visit their website at drinktractor.com.

About My Block, My Hood, My City

My Block, My Hood, My City (M3) is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization founded to empower youth and inspire communities through exposure to opportunities. Established by Jahmal Cole in 2015, M3 focuses on transforming neighborhoods, supporting programs that promote inclusivity, and connecting residents.

About Chef Helmy Saadon

Chef Helmy Saadon, the Executive Chef at Miru, has gained a reputation for his ability to craft dishes that draw from global inspirations while remaining rooted in local ingredients. His commitment to food education fuels his initiative of hosting cooking classes across the city in partnership with community groups.

By embracing the spirit of collaboration and community-driven practices, the Mad Farmer Tour illustrates how local efforts can impact and inspire broader change in society.