After considering a variety of strategies to provide fresh produce to this community in a food desert, the Lord connected Brian Anderson, executive director, to Growing Power. This urban farming company has established many sustainable farms in cold climate areas. Recently, Growing Power has offered to provide resources that will help Shepherd’s Hope begin urban farming in the spring of 2015. The plan is to begin 2 farms on vacant lots Shepherd’s Hope owns. This initiative will not only increase the supply of fresh produce, but will also create another opportunity for team-building while teaching people how to grow their own vegetables.
Another goal continues to be hydroponic farming as well when we have the space and leadership for that initiative.