Address: 201 Evans Ln. Cool Valley, MO 63121

Revolutionizing Urban Farming: Fresh Harvest 365 Opens High-Tech Greenhouse in St. Louis

Jeanne Horlanda • June 10, 2024

The multi-million dollar greenhouse at the Urban League Headquarters on Kingshighway, St. Louis, is officially open! In terms of urban farming and food security in our community, this cutting-edge facility is a huge milestone. In the center of St. Louis, Missouri, we have the potential to completely transform the food production and distribution process thanks to our state-of-the-art technology and dedication to using fresh, healthful produce. Dedicated to bringing fresh produce to local restaurants, schools, hospitals, and businesses, this state-funded greenhouse is a source of hope in a food desert area, as declared by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.

The Wonder of Technology: Advanced Hydroponics

Hydroponics: The Farming of the Future

Modern hydroponic systems, which use mineral nutrient solutions in water to produce plants without soil, are used in our new greenhouse. This high-tech method is essential to the transformation of urban agriculture since it enables us to grow a diverse range of crops all year round, regardless of the weather outside. In addition to making the most use of available space and resources, hydroponics guarantees the best possible quality for our produce.

Garden Towers: Innovative and Efficient

Our greenhouse's installation of 100 garden towers is one of its most notable characteristics. These towers are made to effectively distribute nutrients to plants in order to maximize growth. This guarantees that every plant receives the necessary nutrients directly, supporting robust and healthy growth, as Beverley Foster of Vested Urban Farms says, "Nutrients are pumped up through the center of the tower, and it rains down on every plant." These garden towers, which enable us to grow a lot of fresh vegetables in a little area, are evidence of the creativity behind our initiative.

Smart Farming: A New Era for Urban Agriculture

Our hope for smart farming is to introduce to young people innovative agricultural practices that are both sustainable and efficient. Smart farming involves the use of technology to monitor and manage crop growth which provides optimal conditions for each plant. This modern approach to agriculture is essentially useful for urban settings where space and resources are limited. Through smart farming techniques, we are able to produce more food with fewer resources, making urban agriculture a viable solution for food security in St. Louis.

Addressing Food Security in St. Louis

Combating Food Deserts

The location of our greenhouse in a food desert is strategic and impactful. Food deserts are areas where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited. By establishing our greenhouse in such a location, we are directly addressing the issue of food insecurity. BrendaLyn King of Fresh Harvest 365 emphasizes, "You don’t have to go far anymore for natural vegetables, natural herbs, and examples for our kids in the community to know you, too, can become part of a health food system." Our greenhouse ensures that fresh, healthy produce is readily available to the local community, reducing the need to travel long distances for nutritious food.

Supplying Schools, Hospitals, and Restaurants

Fresh Harvest 365 is dedicated to donating our food to community-serving institutions. We are working with schools, hospitals, and restaurants to guarantee that fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are available to everyone. Beverley Foster explains, "We're working with a provider who will sell it to schools, hospitals, restaurants, and so on." This distribution approach not only benefits local companies and institutions, but it also promotes healthier eating habits throughout the community.

The Urban League of St. Louis' greenhouse's debut is a turning point for urban agriculture and food security in our community. The movement for a sustainable and healthy future is being spearheaded by Fresh Harvest 365 and Vested Urban Farms. Our cutting-edge garden towers and sophisticated hydroponic systems are prime examples of how contemporary agricultural methods have the power to completely transform the food production process. We are genuinely improving the lives of people in St. Louis by giving young people useful skills and tackling food insecurity in a food desert.

This cutting-edge facility is more than simply a greenhouse; it is a shining example of hope and progress. It represents our commitment to fresh harvests, food security, and community well-being. As we continue to grow and expand, we ask you to join us on the path to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. With Fresh Harvest 365, you can explore the great possibilities of hydroponics and urban gardening while also becoming a part of the change we are creating in St. Louis, Missouri.

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The Top 5 Reasons to Choose Locally Grown Produce: Freshness, Sustainability, and Community Impact

By Jeanne Horlanda • November 11, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook where our food comes from. With global supply chains and mass production dominating the market, many consumers find themselves disconnected from the source of their meals. However, a growing movement advocates for buying locally grown produce, highlighting its numerous benefits not just for consumers but for the environment and the community as well. In this blog, we will explore the top five reasons to choose locally sourced produce, emphasizing the freshness, sustainability, and positive community impact it fosters.

Case Study: Fresh Harvest 365’s Commitment to Agricultural Education

By Jeanne Horlanda • October 6, 2024

Farming at its core is about more than just food—it’s about passing on knowledge and inspiring future innovators in sustainable agriculture. At Fresh Harvest 365, we are dedicated to not only transforming how food is grown but also sharing our expertise with communities and students. By showcasing modern farming practices like container farming and sustainable methods, we aim to build stronger connections between people, their food, and the environment. Through these efforts, we’re cultivating awareness of food security, sustainability, and the future of farming.

Tackling Global Food Insecurity with Container Farming Solutions

By Jeanne Horlanda • September 14, 2024

Millions of people worldwide consistently lack access to affordable, wholesome food, making food insecurity a serious problem. The world desperately needs innovative solutions as traditional farming is put under increasing strain by factors such as population expansion, economic instability, and climate change. Growing in popularity as a potential solution, container farming provides a means of growing fresh produce in areas where traditional agriculture is either impractical or not feasible.

Fresh Harvest 365’s Commitment to Sustainability

By Jeanne Horlanda • July 25, 2024

At Fresh Harvest 365, we think that creative, sustainable farming methods are what will shape food production in the future. Everything we do is motivated by our dedication to provide wholesome, fresh products while protecting the environment. By adopting hydroponic farming, we help create a healthier, more sustainable planet in addition to putting premium fruits and vegetables on your table. Come explore our hydroponic methods, hear about our motivational success stories, and learn about our important partnerships.

Reflecting on the Success of F.A.R.M. - Fresh Harvest 365's Summer Leadership Internship Program

By Jeanne Horlanda • June 27, 2024

From the first week of June through the end of this month, Fresh Harvest 365 and University City High School (UCHS) have been immersed in an exciting journey with the F.A.R.M. (Future Agricultural Resource Managers) Summer Leadership Internship Program. This collaborative initiative has been a beacon for fostering a deep-rooted passion among select UCHS students for agribusiness, STEM, and sustainable food practices.

Hydroponics vs. Soil Gardening: Which is Right for You?

By Jeanne Horlanda • May 31, 2024

As modern agriculture evolves, gardeners and farmers alike are exploring innovative methods to grow their plants more efficiently. Two popular methods used are hydroponics and traditional soil gardening. Each has its own unique advantages and challenges, making it pivotal to understand which method best suits your needs. By understanding the differences between these two approaches, you can make informed choices on the best fit for your gardening goals.

Growing Green Geniuses: How Ag-Education Shapes Tomorrow's Farmers

By Jeanne Horlanda • May 2, 2024

Agriculture has always served as the cornerstone of food security with modern and traditional agricultural practices meshed together, passing down knowledge is pivotal to shaping and transforming the best farming practices and techniques. In today’s world of transformative and exciting opportunities, understanding agriculture has become more complex yet even more challenging for our future farmers. We’ve come to a point where traditional methods intersect with modern innovations. As we navigate this intersection, questions arise: Which path should we follow to ensure sustainability and productivity? How can we effectively integrate both approaches to meet the demands of a changing world while honoring age-old wisdom? Read on as we explore these questions and delve into the dynamic landscape of agricultural education.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Benefits of Hydroponic Farming

By Jeanne Horlanda • April 15, 2024

Explore the transformative benefits of hydroponic farming and the importance of agricultural literacy in maximizing its potential. Learn how educational courses, such as those offered by Fresh Harvest 365, equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the world of smart farming.