By Blake Jackson
The Urban League in St. Louis unveiled a new initiative to address food insecurity in the region. The George Washington Carver Urban Farming project includes a hydroponic farm and greenhouse, aiming to provide fresh produce and educational opportunities.
Governor Mike Parson joined local leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 6,800-square-foot facility features a greenhouse with a hydroponic farm operated by Vested Urban Farms and Fresh Harvest 365. This innovative system utilizes vertical gardening towers and can yield produce equivalent to several acres of land.
The project has a three-pronged mission: education, employment, and empowerment. Demetrius Bledsoe, CEO of the Urban League, highlighted the educational aspect, aiming to bridge the gap in access to healthy food options. This initiative will not only provide fresh produce but also create jobs and inspire future generations of farmers.
Beverley Foster, with Vested Urban Farms, explained the technology behind the vertical gardening towers. These towers allow for efficient water usage and high yields, making them ideal for urban environments.
Vested Urban Farms plans to collaborate with the Urban League on various programs, including nutrition training and potential farmer's markets.
The Urban League's initiative complements the work of other organizations like the Fit and Food Connection, which tackles food deserts in north St. Louis.
These groups share a common goal: to increase access to healthy and affordable food options for residents, particularly those without reliable transportation.
The Urban League's project, along with existing efforts from other organizations, aims to cultivate a more sustainable and healthy future for the north St. Louis community. They hope to empower residents through education and provide them with the resources they need to combat food insecurity and chronic disease.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid
Categories: Missouri, Crops