New program to turn vacant Chicago lots into farms

CHICAGO (AP) — The city of Chicago is turning vacant lots into urban farms.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Friday the city will launch Farmers for Chicago over the next three years, with help from private donors.

The new program will make up to five acres of city-owned lots available for urban farming.

Chicago is partnering with the local urban agriculture organization Growing Power.

Local nonprofit organizations also will train residents — many with limited work history — in urban farming and skills. The food from the farms will be distributed to up to 20 farmer's markets, corner stores, restaurants and grocery chains.

Emanuel says Farmers for Chicago will help stabilize communities and bring "productive activity" and locally grown fruits and vegetables to areas of the city lacking in fresh produce.