Tiny Barn Farm Sustainable Community Farming Project: Healing, Growing, and Nourishing the South Side of Chicago and South Suburban Communities 

The Tiny Barn Farm Sustainable Community Farming Project is a transformative initiative dedicated to revitalizing vacant land into vibrant, productive spaces that serve the communities of color that have disparities in sustainable food sources. Spearheaded by Andria’s Ark in partnership with Obsidian Institute of Integrative Medicine, this project addresses food insecurity by cultivating fresh, nutritious produce locally while creating opportunities for education, healing, and community connection.

At the heart of the project is a sustainable farm designed to nourish both the land and the people. The farm will feature diverse crops, pollinator gardens to support local butterfly populations, and poultry cultivation to provide fresh eggs and natural land management benefits. Through these regenerative practices, we aim to restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and create a self-sustaining food ecosystem.

Beyond food production, the project will integrate horticultural therapy and herbalism, offering hands-on therapeutic experiences that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Participants will learn to grow, harvest, and use medicinal plants, building a deeper relationship with nature and personal health.

Community engagement is a core pillar of the initiative. The farm will host regular farmer’s stand, providing residents with access to fresh, affordable food, and will offer horticulture education programs for all ages. Through workshops, volunteer days, and skill-building courses, the various communities will be empowered to take part in creating a sustainable, resilient local food system.

The Obsidian Community Sustainable Farming Project is more than just a farm — it’s a growing movement toward equity, health, and self-sufficiency, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to fresh food and the tools to thrive.

For information on what will be available or how you can participate or purchase, please email tinybarnfarm@obsidianinstitute.org

Coming in March of 2026

Opened in May of 2025. This location is located near the corner of 148th and Main and will feature a Farmer's Market that also accepts EBT. We are currently setting things up and preparing for the growing season.