(Re)Birth Society recognizes how environmental racism, imperialism and capitalism have caused land loss, poverty, food insecurity, and neglect on the South Side, especially for Black and Latine families. As a solution to these issues, our 2026 Food Security & Land Stewardship Initiatives will help provide access to healthy food and nutrition education for 150+ households annually through community gardening, grocery drop-offs, delivery stipends and ride shares, partnerships with local growers, and educating people on nutrition and agriculture.

Approximately 24% of South Siders (64,000 people) do not have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. Of those 64,000 individuals, approximately 36% of black households, 28% of Latine households, and 17% of white households experienced food security in 2022. Compared to 5% of Lakeview residents (a predominately white neighborhood), Woodlawn had 37%, South Shore had 58% and Washington Park had 66% of residents with low access to food. An Air Quality and Health Report developed by CDPH in 2020 found that air pollution disproportionately burdens neighborhoods on the South and West Sides, contributing to increased risk of chronic disease, which is the leading driver of Chicago’s ten-year life expectancy gap between Black and white residents.

Low-income communities of color in Chicago are disproportionately exposed to toxic and hazardous waste. Additionally, the South Side has the highest violent crime rate, associated with chronic stress, decreased physical activity, trauma and decrease mental wellness, all of which affect community health outcomes, including maternal and infant health! All of this is driven by environmental & systemic racism and contributes to reproductive health issues and chronic illness.

In addition to our gardening and grocery programs, we are currently developing a campaign and teach-ins designed to raise awareness on the environmental factors impacting South Siders, along with current solutions & resources. We are also expanding access to culturally-rooted holistic therapies and communal healing modalities. Our events and curated spaces emphasize healing, play, exploration, and connection as pathways to wellness.

Repro-Eco Seed Starting Day!

Spring is here! And we’re hosting a Reproductive Seed Starting Day at Kumunda Garden in Woodlawn! You are invited to plant, care for and eat from the garden(s) with us all season long <3