AeroFarms, a certified B corporation and leader in indoor vertical farming, announced the expansion of its Community Farm program to bring year-round access to fresh and nutritious leafy greens to local settings like schools, corporate cafeterias, and community centers. Using patented aeroponic technology, the program empowers children and adults to participate in the full growing process while learning about sustainable food production and STEAM education. The expansion addresses increased demand for small indoor farming technology and supports the district’s plans to advance science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education for students.
AeroFarms, a leading indoor vertical farming company, and certified B corporation, announced an expansion of its Community Farm program. Adding nine new farms to bring year-round access to fresh and nutritious leafy greens to local settings like schools, corporate cafeterias, and community centers. This expansion addresses increased demand for small indoor farming technology and marks the growth of AeroFarms’ equipment business.
The Community Farm program uses patented and proprietary aeroponic technology to bring the benefits of vertical farming to the community. This system empowers children and adults to participate in the full growing process from seed to salad while experiencing the advantages of hyperlocal, sustainable food production and learning through STEAM education. Along with the farm system, AeroFarms also provides a robust service package to Community Farm customers, which includes growing inputs like seeds and nutrients and support hours from AeroFarms’ expert team of scientists and specialists.
According to CEO and Co-Founder David Rosenberg, the expansion is a response to the need for innovative solutions and to address challenges to the climate and global food system. The Community Farm encourages healthy eating habits and provides food access for underserved areas elevating agriculture for people and the planet.
AeroFarms operates large commercial farms in Newark, New Jersey, and Danville, Virginia, serving major retailers such as Whole Foods, Walmart, and The Fresh Market, as well as food service partners such as Baldor and Compass Group. AeroFarms leafy greens and microgreens are grown using zero pesticides and up to 95% less water compared to traditional field farms, which speeds up growth and increases output.
The expansion of the Community Farm program was implemented in partnership with the Newark Public Schools, with installation in schools throughout the district, including Central High School, George Washington Carver Elementary School, Sir Isaac Newton Elementary School, Thirteenth Avenue School, and Michelle Obama Elementary School. This program supports the district’s plans to advance science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics(STEAM) education for students.
As a part of the district’s emphasis on health and wellness, the partnership with AeroFarms allows the school to provide fresh homegrown vegetables to students, staff, and families.
AeroFarms’ innovative solutions that bring sustainability, healthy eating, and innovation in farming directly to the community, made it an ideal partner for schools and other institutions. Through its Community Farm program, AeroFarms is addressing a range of food-related issues by making fresh produce readily available in areas that may have limited access to it, while also providing educational opportunities for students and community members.
Image provided by AeroFarms
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