Operation Grow is a social enterprise in downtown Midland focusing on more than just producing locally grown food. Run by Huronia Transition Homes, the vision for OG stems from the women it serves and their desire to acquire skills for the workforce, gain confidence, and break free from violence, poverty, and food insecurity. Operation Grow was launched in 2017 in response to those needs and features a state-of-the-art hydroponic farm that cultivates produce in a controlled environment. Low-barrier employment and apprenticeship training opportunities are available for members of OG, allowing them to work on the farm. The nutritious produce grown by OG is sold at a reduced cost to low-income women, and in retail and wholesale markets at competitive prices. The social implications for struggling women are significant.
The non-profit farm boosts their employment opportunities, stability, standard of living, community engagement, self-awareness, and more.
Vertical farming is touted as one of the solutions to addressing food insecurity in urban areas, as it offers year-round production that is free from weather and space constraints. There is no agricultural run-off associated with this growing method, pesticides and herbicides aren’t needed, and it uses 70 to 80% less water than conventional growing methods. At Operation Grow, a ZipFarmTM features a vertical hydroponic setup where lettuce greens, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, microgreens, and culinary herbs grow in stacked columns. The gardeners start seeds in peat plugs, placing them in warm, moist conditions under LED grow lights. Once the plants have their first set of true leaves, they’re transplanted into ZipGrowTM Towers, which are unique because they use “matrix media” made from recycled water bottles instead of soil. The matrix media is lined with cotton polymer wicking strips that transfer water and nutrients to the plants as they grow.
Since its inception, OG has developed key technical insights to successfully maintain a vibrant vertical farm and plans to launch a second phase, aiming to expand its range of produce to include other crops, such as strawberries. In addition to selling it fresh immediately after harvest, customers can also enjoy the produce in homemade dressings, soups, spreads, and sweet treats, all available at Operation Grow’s in-store retail market. Purchasing locally grown products is already a bonus for customers; knowing that they’re supporting women in need when they do brings that feel-good vibe over the top.
