Thanks to the partnership of Whole Cities Foundation with GrowGeneration, our grantees will benefit from donated hydroponic equipment and supplies. This generous contribution aims to increase fresh, healthy food production locally and boost sustainable food systems through organic gardening.
Whole Cities actively nurtures people’s power to produce fresh, healthy food for their communities, fortifying local food systems. Our efforts don’t succeed alone. With support from like-minded collaborators, our partners’ work flourishes. The deeper the collaboration, the more impact we make. That’s why we’re excited about our partnership with GrowGeneration Corp., the largest chain of specialty hydroponic and organic gardening centers. Together, we promote hydroponic agriculture championed by community-led nonprofit organizations.
The Appeal of Hydroponic Agriculture
More of Whole Cities’ community partners now see hydroponic growing as a goal. Hydroponic agriculture grows plants with roots in nutrient-fortified water vs. soil.
The benefits of this method are numerous:
- Year-round production
- Higher yields in smaller spaces
- Surprising water conservation
- Hydroponic farms consume less water vs. traditional farms
Tobias A. Fox, Founder of Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., highlights the advantages of hydroponic agriculture. He mentions that land access remains a significant issue in industrialized communities. Traditional farming has become challenging. This is a result of unpredictable climates and continuous threats from pests. “Hydroponic agriculture,” he says, “lets us control the environment, enabling diverse crop production all year.”
Investments Towards Healthier Food Systems
How do community organizations find the capital for hydroponic equipment and materials? GrowGen steps in here.
Michael Salaman, GrowGen’s President, says, “Our commitment to urban communities runs deep. With Whole Cities, we’ve donated over $300,000 to urban farms. It’s not just about supplies; it’s about empowering communities to grow their food and channel resources elsewhere. We’re sowing the seeds of sustainable growth.”
Community Partners
GrowGen has generously provided equipment worth over $329,000 to five Whole Cities community partners:
- RestoreOKC in Oklahoma City
- FoodChain in Lexington
- Metro Caring in Denver
- Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc. in Newark
- Restorative Farms in Dallas
These organizations benefit from Whole Cities’ grant programs, and our focus remains on tailoring our support to their unique needs. This partnership exemplifies that.
Dianna Purcell, our Director of Programs, states, “Whole Cities customizes its support based on specific community needs. Our collaboration with GrowGen ensures our grantees can produce more fresh, healthy food locally, enhancing sustainable food systems through organic gardening.”
Thanks to GrowGen, these organizations can jumpstart their hydroponic ventures.
Success Stories
Caylee Dodson, from RestoreOKC, shares their aspirations: “Our farm has a dual goal. First, we aim to maximize food production. Next, we seek to foster sustainable jobs and equip the upcoming generation with diverse farming technologies.” She adds that the donated equipment like grow lights and smart pots has already amplified their output.
With equipment in place, community partners can divert or save funds. Tobias notes, “Without GrowGen’s backing, we’d be scrambling to fundraise. This support eases our financial burden and lets us focus more on our mission.”
Collaborative Growth
GrowGen’s involvement widens the fresh produce variety in our grantees’ communities. These partnerships drive our mission to enhance community health with organic gardening.
If you represent a purpose-driven company keen on building thriving local food systems, reach out at info@wholecitiesfoundation.org.
[Original post on wholecitiesfoundation.org]
