Island Grown Initiative

Major programs include: community food education: Island Grown schools operates educational programs from preschool to k-12 and supports school gardens where children receive hands-on training. There are also regenerative educational programs for backyard growers and local gardeners. Food waste reduction & recover: the goal is to reduce food waste through consumer education campaigns, recovery from local grocery stores, and gleaning crops that remain in the fields post harvest. It operates an in- vessel composting drum that processes food waste plus carbon materials into nutrient rich compost that is used to enhance local soils. The farm hub: a 40 acre farm dedicated to regenerative agricultural practices, and includes the operation of a 33,000 square-foot greenhouse that houses a hydroponic operation and soil beds for year round production. There is also a community garden, orchard, and land that is licensed to other local farmers. Food equity: igi operates the Island food pantry that has 4,200 registered clients. It also produces healthy, nutritious stews, soups and meals which are frozen and distributed around the Island to those with limited access to transportation or cooking facilities. They operate a summer lunch program to feed children and their families during the school vacation. There is a mobile farmers market that brings fresh produce to low income communities around the Island.