The Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) has been awarded $50,000 by the National Science Foundation to advance “equity resilience and sustainability” for the Chicago food system. The proposed study will investigate procedures and systems to link urban farmers and especially minority producers with potential buyers, represented by schools, hospitals and other institutions.

Dr. Weslynne Ashton, Associate Professor of Environmental Management at IIT is attempting to develop an alternative system to the current established food supply chain.  This has developed based on efficiency and optimal cost.  It is considered possible to establish niches to favor subsidized local production including both urban farming and intensive vertical farming.  In the first case, public sector support is necessary for long-term viability. For vertical indoor farming the capital cost associated with entry and the technical competence required, presume an industrial approach, inconsistent with ad hoc systems to be promoted by IIT.