February 22, 2017

Duckworth Visits Angelic Organics Learning Center in Caledonia

 

CALEDONIA, IL - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with Debra Crockett, Associate Executive Director of Angelic Organics Learning Center in Caledonia, Illinois, to discuss how they can work together to ensure local farmers have the resources they need to support sustainable food and farm systems. Duckworth also discussed the importance of the Center's efforts to support low-income families through community gardening and educational programming.

"Growing up, my family had to rely on food stamps to make ends meet, so I understand the critical role organizations like Angelic Organics Learning Center play in ensuring all families have access to sustainable, healthy food sources," said Senator Duckworth. "I will continue to push for federal investments in local farming and urban agriculture to create more self-sustaining communities and healthy food options for low-income families-and all families-across the state."

Last year, Duckworth introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to help raise awareness about the importance of community gardens and improve access to public land for the creation of sustainable food projects. The resolution also supported cooperative efforts between government and nonprofit organizations to expand and develop community gardens, especially for disadvantaged population groups.

The Angelic Organics Learning Center provides more than 5,000 local residents annually with access to farmer training programs and wellness workshops between sites in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. The Center focuses on creating more sustainable food systems for both rural and urban communities, with an emphasis on serving low-income and underserved populations.

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