Chicago has several things going on. Check out City Farm and Growing Power (in Chicago and Milwaukee). I used to volunteer for City Farm during the winter by going to the Garfield Park Conservatory to water and plant seeds in the greenhouse. The greenhouse was usable by any community group. We had a section of space and were right next to other similar groups starting seeds, teaching kids about plants, etc. Google any of these organizations to find more info. Also check out Greens Grow in Philadelphia. They grow plants hyrdoponically on an EPA designated superfund lot. It's high tech, but an interesting way to use space that would otherwise take decades to remediate the soil for growing food.

We have something like that going on in a Lousiana community garden. Why dont'you contact me?