The Community Foundation has issued grants in support of House of Hope’s broad effort to bring healthy food to the people they serve. This includes getting fresh fruit and vegetables to their pantries within hours of harvest, sharing produce with local soup kitchens, and helping at-risk populations learn the connection between healthy eating and good health through classes, demonstrations and access to community gardens.
The farm is part of a broad effort House of Hope is creating to bring healthy food to the people they serve that includes:
- Fresh produce brought to the HOH pantry within hours of harvest.
- Sharing produce with local soup kitchens and food pantries across county lines.
- House of Hope community gardens thriving in Banner Lake, East Stuart, Golden Gate.
- Helping people learn the connection between healthy eating and good health through classes and demonstrations.
- Using traditional, hydroponic and aeroponic methods.
“We want to change how the lower income community is eating and elevate the quality of what they’re eating. Many lower income challenges are health related. If we can help fix the health issues, many other things fall into place on their own.”
Rob Ranieri, CEO, House of Hope
Facts and Data:
The new Hydroponic greenhouse houses 76 towers that will grow 4000 plants annually. • The farm will grow and distribute 100,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables this year. • A packing house at the farm will be completed by December 2019. • Fruit trees and berry bushes will be planted in the coming year. • A fast and efficient distribution system connects the farm with 5 counties to help surrounding pantries. • The farm sits on 20 acres leased to HOH for 10 years for $1 a year from the Dawson family. • The farm produces crops year-round. • Commissioner Ed Ciampi is donating his county funds to double lettuce production to 300 heads a week. • The Community Foundation Martin St. Lucie is a major donor.
