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Challenge Unlimited (CU), a national nonprofit headquartered in Alton, IL, is delighted to announce an innovative skills training program teaching people with all disabilities how to grow produce hydroponically.
Challenge Unlimited is partnering with Theodora Farms, a produce farm headquartered in Godfrey, IL. Through this collaboration, CU participants are learning every detail involved with hydroponic farming including irrigation systems, plant nutrients, light cycles, cultivation and harvesting.
The farming takes place in a specially outfitted container containing hydroponic units which hold the plants. Current crops include two diverse types of lettuce, kale, turnips, celery, cabbage, collard greens, radishes, basil, and dill. The estimated annual yield is the equivalent of three acres of traditional farm ground; approximately 8,000 to 12,000 pounds of food.
The container offers a controlled environment, which limits infestation issues and weeds. The produce grows in a water and fertilizer solution. The unit operates and produces plants on less than five gallons of water a day.
“Thanks to this partnership with Theodora Farms, our participants are learning invaluable skills which can lead to productive jobs in the farming and grocery industries,” says Charlotte Hammond, president and CEO of Challenge Unlimited.
Jay Bentley, general manager at Theodora Farms, plans on the farming operation to grow into a self-sustaining business with trainees earning wages and the produce being sold at market rates. “This training program aligns perfectly with our motto, ‘Good Food. Good People.’
For more than 60 years, Challenge Unlimited has operated as a social enterprise committed to serving individuals with disabilities while earning a reputation as a trusted business partner to private commercial companies and federal and state government agencies.Today, Challenge Unlimited employs over 900 workers; of which approximately 600 are individuals with disabilities.
Theodora Farms, started in 2019 dedicated to growing the freshest, most nourishing produce for the St. Louis Metropolitan Area and Illinois Riverbend Region. We’re passionate about sustainability, local food systems, and providing healthy options that you can feel good about. Our commitment to organic farming means that you’re not just getting the best in taste and quality but also supporting a healthier planet.
