This past November, Volunteers of America launched a new program: The Farm! The Farm is a sustainable program, funded in large part by an American Rescue Plan grant from Monroe County, that helps to combat food insecurity by growing and distributing fresh produce to low-income households. Operating from two repurposed shipping containers, this innovative program utilizes vertical hydroponic farming techniques to grow produce efficiently, compactly, and year-round.
The Farm grows a wide variety of leafy greens, lettuces, herbs, microgreens, and root vegetables. In addition, we offer education and workforce development programs, agri-therapy for veterans, and volunteer opportunities. The Farm can produce between two and four tons of food each year to assist more than 2,500 people, including children who attend the VOA Children’s Center, families staying in our Guest House Emergency Shelter, local food pantries, and other people served by non-profit service providers. We rotate our crop, cultivating fresh produce while conserving water, minimizing our environmental footprint, and enabling urban food production in the heart of Downtown Rochester.
How you can help:
Purchase fresh produce grown from The Farm through our online store! You can purchase small bundles from our selection of greens or a weekly subscription box. Our most popular items include arugula, butterhead, romaine, collard greens, Swiss chard, basil, spring mix, and microgreens. Every purchase helps provide produce to low-income households facing food insecurity in Monroe County. Tours of The Farm are available upon request.
Shop The Farm at voafarm.org
We proudly serve the public fresh, locally grown produce that nourishes our community and our mission.
Visit our online store to see what we currently have available.
