The Frontera Farmer Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to promoting small, sustainable farms serving the Chicago area by providing them with capital development grants. The Foundation envisions a year-round interchange between sustainable farmers and consumers, including farmers’ market patrons and chefs, in which seasonal local agriculture provides the foundation for sustainable regional cuisine.
“Great food, like all art, enhances and reflects a community’s vitality, growth and solidarity. Yet history bears witness that great cuisines spring only from healthy local agriculture.”
—Rick Bayless, Proprietor of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo
The Frontera Farmer Foundation was established in 2003 to attract support for small Midwestern farms. Rick and Deann Bayless, founders of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, along with the restaurants’ staff, created the Foundation out of their concern for struggling farmers and the importance of local produce to the vitality of Chicago’s culinary culture. Small local farms promote biodiversity by planting a wide range of produce, are more likely to operate using organic practices, and add immeasurably to the fabric of their communities. By their artisanal approach to agriculture, these farmers insure the highest quality of food.
Nonprofit organizations devoted to the growth of sustainable farming are becoming more prevalent and necessary due to the increasing dominance of large corporations in the agricultural sector. Without small sustainable farmers, great local cuisine is unreachable.
“The grant we received gave us the assistance and encouragement to proceed with new opportunities on our family farm. Now hundreds of our customers can enjoy our harvests of fresh lettuce and salad greens.”
—Rink DaVee & Jenny Bonde, Shooting Star Farm
We welcome your tax-deductible contribution to this publicly supported, non-profit organization. Your support will help us cultivate an appreciation for seasonality in local cuisine, and for responsible stewardship of the land. For more information about how you can contribute, contact:
Frontera Farmer Foundation
445 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 661-1434
ksullivan@fronteragrill.net
