Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm Unveils Innovative Hydroponic Farming Project
The Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm is thrilled to announce the inauguration of its groundbreaking small-scale farm, made possible through innovative hydroponic farming methods. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Urban Hope Refuge Church, 136 Westland Street.
The Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm has transformed a previously unusable 30 x 30 feet property into a thriving agricultural venture, designed to benefit the children and families of Community First School, the Food Shelf outside the Urban Hope Refuge Church, and the wider community.
This visionary project employed a tailored design to conquer challenging terrain, incorporating simplified hydroponic farming techniques and repurposed materials to manage costs and ensure program sustainability. Situated at the intersection of Westland and Barbour Streets, this farm is poised to produce up to half a ton of fresh vegetables for the local community, particularly during periods of elevated food costs and inflation.
What sets this initiative apart is its unique hydroponic approach, which eliminates the need for plants to break through soil or compete for space. The result is increased productivity per square foot and a sustainable source of fresh vegetables. Levo International, in collaboration with community volunteers, has spearheaded site assessment, and installation, and will continue to provide ongoing consultation.
The Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm serves a dual purpose: it ensures a reliable supply of fresh vegetables for families in Hartford's North End and offers invaluable educational opportunities for youth in nearby community schools and daycare centers. Children from the Community First School will have the opportunity to observe, experience, and learn from both conventional and hydroponic methods of providing healthy produce in their community.
This initiative strives to enhance the community's beauty and foster a sense of togetherness among neighbors who are often becoming increasingly disconnected from each other. Furthermore, it addresses the critical issue of food scarcity by providing healthy options in a neighborhood where they are typically limited.
The Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm expresses profound gratitude to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, whose support has made this program possible.
For more information about the Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm and the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony, please contact Pastor AJ Johnson at ajforthecity@gmail.com or 860-205-1280.
The Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm is a transformative project that combines innovative hydroponic farming methods and community engagement to provide fresh vegetables and educational opportunities for Hartford's North End. It is a collaborative effort, supported by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Levo International, This mural was made possible by the Hartford Your Block Hartford grant and dedicated community volunteers. The Sacred Roots Neighborhood Farm mural was created and designed by Neema Kimondo, the Program Coordinator of Black Girls Achieve (BGA), an enrichment program designed to provide Black girls with the skills and tools needed to navigate Black girlhood. Neema is a Chicago-based artist born in Tanzania. As a Trinity college student, Neema has fully immersed herself in the Hartford community, hence her involvement with Black Girls Achieve. You can spot Neema's work throughout the city of Hartford, including the BGA mural on Allen Pl. and Broad St.
Media Contact:
Pastor AJ Johnson
860-205-1280
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
- Time: 2:00 pm
- Location: Urban Hope Refuge Church, 136 Westland Street, Hartford, CT