Ditto Foods

Black-Owned Marketplace
May 3
2 min read

Updated: May 4

Hydroponic farming business in Chicago growing sustainable, organic produce in a mobile container to supply local markets and restaurants.

Ditto Foods is a Black-owned hydroponic farming company founded by Derek Drake in Chicago. Established from a childhood passion for gardening with his grandmother, Derek’s mission was to create a sustainable, scalable farming solution that reduces environmental impact while increasing access to fresh, local produce.

Launched in a repurposed 18-wheeler semi-trailer, Ditto Foods uses cutting-edge hydroponic technology to grow organic vegetables and herbs year-round. By using 90% less water than traditional farming, the company delivers hyper-local, nutrient-rich greens to restaurants, wholesalers, and communities across the Chicago area.

Key Features & Benefits:

Hydroponic farming in a climate-controlled 18-wheeler
Organic vegetables and herbs grown sustainably
90% less water usage than traditional farming
Fast, fresh, local distribution to businesses and communities

Use Cases:

Farm-to-table restaurant sourcing
Sustainable wholesale produce for distributors
Educational resource on urban farming innovation
Community-based health and food access initiatives

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Credit Card
ACH/Invoice
Business Account Payment

Business Credentials:

Certified Food Safety Handler
USDA-registered hydroponic facility
Member, Illinois Specialty Growers Association

Honors & Awards:

Featured in Black Enterprise
Recognized by the USDA for urban agriculture innovation

Testimonials:

“The freshest greens we’ve ever used—our customers noticed instantly.” — Local Restaurant Owner
“Derek’s work is inspiring and necessary for sustainable food access.” — Community Partner

Purchasing & Availability:

Available for wholesale delivery in the Chicago metropolitan area. Orders can be placed via website contact form or through local distributor partnerships.