CIFT News

Toledo Organizations Become Active in Growing Produce

On May 18, a sense of Spring and new growth filled the air at Toledo Seagate Food Bank. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Commissioner Tina Skeldon-Wozniak, the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), and representatives from numerous organizations convened to share excitement and gain recognition for the advancements in local food production within the city of Toledo.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur addressing the audience at Toledo Seagate Food Bank

In her opening remarks, Congresswoman Kaptur acknowledged the program participants and urged the community to continue efforts to strengthen local food production. Representative Kaptur stated, "Today I congratulate the Center for Innovative Food Technology for aiding our community in purchasing and installing high-density vertical growing systems. I continually challenge the 9th district of Ohio, which includes the greater-Toledo area to look at food differently and to strengthen our capacity for production locally. This is a step in achieving that mission, but we need to take many more! These systems can produce large quantities of fresh, nutritious produce in minimal space, while requiring less strenuous labor. We appreciate the effort of the nine new organizations that will use new technologies to grow food and curb hunger and mal-nutrition in our community. Keep Going! These organizations will incorporate education, charitable giving and community involvement through this innovative technology. We hope by announcing the pioneers of this movement, we can encourage others in the community to engage in these cost and space-effective gardens."

CIFT has been investigating alternative growing systems, with particular applicability for urban environments in an effort to assist with the increasing demand for local, fresh produce. In 2008, in collaboration with ProMedica Health System’s Flower Hospital, CIFT demonstrated the feasibility of a vertical, high density growing system using hydroponic technology. As a result of this project, it became increasingly apparent that produce can indeed be readily available to urban residents and produced in non-traditional locations.

Eight Toledo organizations were highlighted for stepping up and purchasing high density vertical growing systems for inclusion in their own operations. Involvement from the diverse group will assist in addressing the growing food need in the region through education and increased awareness of how communities can become involved.

The organizations engaging in this alternative method of food production include:

Together these systems, plus Flower Hospital in Sylvania, will have 7648 in total plant production capacity.

"The reason this is so exciting is that each location will serve as an educator and outreach arm to communities around the city demonstrating how people can support their food needs locally," says Rebecca Singer, Associate Program Director of CIFT. "This is just one additional method to compliment existing growing techniques such as community gardens and provides an opportunity in locations otherwise deemed non productive such as parking lots and patios."

Tomatoes, green beans, onions, broccoli, basil, peppers, and lettuce flourished in the vertical garden at Flower Hospital in 2008. It is anticipated that several of the same crops will be incorporated into the structure this year with a few new additions such as cucumbers. The benefit to this type of hydroponic, vertical system is that what would traditionally take eight acres of land to grow can be accomplished in one acre due to the stacking of the plants.

A high density vertical growing system demonstration plot installed by CIFT at Flower Hospital

Toledo Seagate Food Bank, besides purchasing a system themselves, also provided assistance in storing and coordinating the materials for distribution to the other entities. Seagate Food Bank, by nature of the services they provide, are all too familiar with the increasing food needs within the city. "Activities such as these are not going to solve all our issues, rather provide an infusion of hope and a tool for educating residents of how each can grow product to assist in their daily needs" stated Deb Vas, Executive Director of Seagate. Similar sediments were shared by Lucas County Jobs and Family Services who assisted with funding to acquire a couple of the units.

Seniors to youth can experience the rewards of growing their own produce. The vertical systems allow for minimal labor and essentially no weeding! The design enables the pots to swivel for easy access and provides consistent water and nutrients to the plants. As gardens around Toledo are planted for another year, consider engaging youth for educational opportunities or donate excess to local feeding programs and share the benefits of food production!

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