Community gardens improve the quality of life for gardeners, reduce crime, preserve green space, stimulate social interaction and community development, encourage self-reliance and beautify neighborhoods while providing nutritious food and reducing family food budgets as well as creating new recreational and education opportunities outdoors.

170 years ago, the land surrounding Cermak and Wolf in the Hillside / Westchester community was a 40 acre farm. The area was developed and all that remains of that farm is the Save the Prairie Society and 12 acres of field that is owned by Immanuel Lutheran Church. In spring of 2016, a group of parents, teachers and community friends with the blessing of Immanuel Lutheran Church began the planting of a community garden. Today there are over twenty - four beds, a greenhouse, fruit tree orchard and bee hives. 

The OSHCG provides fresh produce and herbs to food pantries, soup kitchens and our very own church & school families. 

The Old Schoolhouse Community Garden offers plots to neighbors within the Hillside & Westchester community fostering positive social interaction, producing nutritious food for food pantries & soup kitchens and providing educational and service opportunities to residents and students.