Quigley Goes “Undercover” at Global Garden Refugee Training Farm

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) visited the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm in Albany Park as part of his Undercover Congressman series. During his visit, he worked with refugee families from across the district, watering the crops, and helping cut down trees and weeds that had been interfering with their crops' ability to grow.

"Since being elected, I have found it deeply important to meet with people one-on-one, not just as their congressman but as a neighbor. Today, I saw firsthand how passionate these families are about their farm and how it has helped transform their lives. Global Garden Refugee Training Farm puts food on community members' tables, money in their pockets, and fosters connection to their new homes," said Rep. Quigley. "Going undercover here enabled me to truly understand their experiences. Ultimately, that is the mission of my undercover congressman series—connecting with my constituents, learning about their lives, and sharing what I learn with the rest of our district. I am incredibly grateful to the Global Garden Refugee Training Farm for allowing me this opportunity and for the important work they do."

The Global Garden Refugee Training Farm began as a vacant lot and is now a garden where over 100 refugee families grow fresh, organic vegetables for both themselves and for sale. Started in 2012 by 42 refugee families from Burma and Bhutan, the farm generates over 7,500 pounds of produce, which helps support and feed their families. The farm's mission is to improve access to fresh vegetables for newly arrived refugee families and their urban neighbors, allow displaced farmers to re-connect with the soil, and foster new, refugee-operated farms. However, actions taken by the Trump Administration have negatively impacted the farm's ability to stay in operation. The farm is currently low on numbers due to the Trump Administration's decision to slash the American refugee program by almost half.

Since taking office in 2009, Quigley has worked alongside fifth district residents in a variety of jobs to better understand the challenges his constituents face on a daily basis. In total, Quigley has participated in nearly 100 different undercover experiences ranging from cleaning the rhino pen at Lincoln Park Zoo, shadowing cafeteria workers at Lakeview High School, collecting tickets at Wrigley Field, joining a USPS carrier for a delivery route, and most recently working as a loader at Metro in Wrigleyville.

For pictures of Congressman Quigley's visit, click HERE.