Andrea Hinojosa, a Loyola University Chicago, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing Dietetics student, proposes to partner with Near North Health Service Corporation’s WIC clinics to increase the exposure of farmers and locally farmed produce. She will create a strong community garden relationship between Near North’s WIC clinic and Chicago Lights by initiating interactive garden events, learning activities for WIC participants, as well as will train and certify a farmer to participate in Illinois Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). She will also start the process to creating an indoor vertical community garden at Near North’s Kostner clinic to expand access to locally fresh produce and empower the Near North community to take ownership of their consumption and production of produce. Andrea hopes to raise $500 for supplies and training materials needed for the community garden events and activities, as well as $800 for materials needed to create an indoor vertical community garden and mini indoor vertical gardens that families can take home!

The Schweitzer Fellowship is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

In the summer of 2019, the Schweitzer Fellows for Life network launched Fellows Fest 2019, a campaign to help support our current Fellows' projects. Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. We also invite you to join us for our Fellows Fest event taking place on September 17th, 6-8pm in Chicago. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

The Chicago Areas Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Summer Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."