Teens for Food Justice

Project Details

Food Advocacy

Where: The Bronx, NY

Dedication Date: June 2, 2018

Donation Type: Hydroponic Farming

Size:

Claim to Fame: Capacity to grow 25,000 pounds of produce annually in unused 1,300 sq. ft. lab

Project Overview

Students at De Witt Clinton High School built and run a high-capacity indoor hydroponic farm, capable of growing 25,000 pounds of produce annually, thanks to a $126,870 donation from the Sun Club to Teens for Food Justice. In addition to the education provided through the youth-led nutrition and health outreach programming, the food will be served in the school’s cafeteria and distributed to surrounding high-needs communities. One hundred students are enrolled in curricular STEM programming using hydroponic farming and technology, mastering skills needed in a green workforce economy.

Hydroponic farming uses 96 percent less water per head of lettuce when compared to traditional agriculture methods and avoids the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.