BMO’s support cultivates health and hope in Chicago’s West Side

In Chicago’s West Side, a unique program is taking root, transforming lives and fostering a healthier community. The VeggieRx program – developed by the Chicago Botanic Garden, Lawndale Christian Health Center, Good Food is Good Medicine and the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion – provides residents experiencing food insecurity with access to fresh produce, nutrition counseling and cooking classes. This innovative “Food Is Medicine” initiative, operating out of the Farm on Ogden – a vibrant community hub in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood – is not only addressing food insecurity, but also fostering lasting change and impact. BMO is proud to support this impactful program, recognizing its vital role in creating a healthier future for the community. 

The VeggieRx program: A model for change 

The VeggieRx program offers a groundbreaking approach to healthcare by prescribing free locally grown produce to residents with diet-related diseases. Prescriptions can be redeemed for weekly boxes filled with a variety of seasonal produce at the Farm on Ogden. Beyond providing food, the program also offers crucial resources such as nutrition education and cooking classes, empowering individuals to make lasting healthy choices. 

The Farm on Ogden is a cornerstone of this initiative. Created through a partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden and Lawndale Christian Health Center, this 20,000-square-foot facility serves as a center for the Botanic Garden’s urban agriculture program, Windy City Harvest, and features a greenhouse, aquaponics system, indoor market and teaching kitchens. It also plays a key role in community development by providing job training and educational programs for local residents. 

“BMO’s support for the VeggieRx program reflects our deep commitment to fostering thriving communities. By investing in initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities, BMO is helping to create a more equitable society. This partnership underscores the bank’s belief that access to healthy food is a key driver of individual and community well-being.”

– Henry Munez
Vice Chair, BMO 

The impact: healthier lives, stronger communities 

The VeggieRx program is making a tangible difference in the lives of Lawndale residents. A study highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine and Health Affairs demonstrated that participants in the program experienced significant reductions in weight and body mass index (BMI). This evidence underscores the power of food as medicine and the effectiveness of the program’s holistic approach. 

Beyond the numbers, the program is fostering a sense of community and empowerment. By providing access to locally grown produce and education, VeggieRx is equipping residents with the tools they need to live healthier lives – and build a brighter future. 

BMO’s commitment to wellness: inside and out  

 BMO’s support for the VeggieRx program is an investment in the health and vitality of Chicago’s West Side. It’s a powerful example of our broader commitment to wellness, both within the bank and in the communities we serve. This holistic approach reflects our belief that healthy individuals and healthy communities are essential for a thriving society. 

Looking ahead 

 As the program continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a model for other communities seeking to address food insecurity and promote health equity. BMO remains committed to partnering with organizations like the Chicago Botanic Garden and Lawndale Christian Health Center to Boldly Grow the Good – and create positive change in the communities we serve. 

The VeggieRx program offers a groundbreaking approach to healthcare by prescribing free locally grown produce to residents with diet-related diseases. Photos courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden