[ad_1]
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Local STEM students are growing food at a hydro-technology farm in the city. The produce collected is being sent directly to Philadelphia communities in need.
This farm can produce 2.5 acres of food every week. Local students are working hard to bring this healthy, locally grown option to their community.
It sounds fake – but this product is as real as it gets. Students are growing pesticide-free food at this hydrotech farm outside Imhotep Institute Charter School in the city’s northwest section.
“We can grow whatever we want, whenever we want, controlled from our cell phones and computers at home,” said Shirley Posey, Imhotep’s director of STEM.
And this future farm is controlled by engineering sensors, water and solar powered lights.
“It’s really reassuring to know that we’re making an impact on the community and that we’re making an impact on future generations,” said one young woman.
The farm is doing its best to provide a sustainable solution to the city’s food insecurity and food deserts.
“As you know, most of our crops come from California, and because of climate change, wildfires and droughts have greatly reduced food availability,” Posey said.
“Having this partnership for our communities is game-changing and life-affirming, if you will,” said Ryan Harris, CEO and Founder of Planting the Seed at Hunting Park.
Back in February, The community refrigerator was stolen The non-profit front and then replaced.
Now, he’s stocking his fridge with fresh food options and says it’s changing lives for the North Philadelphia community.
“We recently took part of this thing home and I have some of it and the community has taken it up in no time,” Harris said.
The goal now is to spread the idea and collaborate with different communities, pantries and stores to make fresh food available to more people.
[ad_2]
Source link