Teen Brings Hydroponic Garden to NYC Prison
Teen’s Hydroponic Garden brings Fresh Food to NYC Correctional facility
Riverdale Teen Expands Mission to Combat Food Insecurity Behind Bars
New York, NY - Steven Hoffen, a junior at Riverdale Country School, is on a mission to make New York City greener adn better fed. As founding the nonprofit Growing Peace during the pandemic,Hoffen has already helped feed thousands of hungry New yorkers through the power of hydroponic farming. Now, he’s taking his innovative approach to an unlikely place: the Edgecombe Correctional Facility, a minimum-security prison in Manhattan.”It feels awesome to give back to the community, especially because I know so much about how New York City struggles with food insecurity,” says Hoffen.Hoffen’s hydroponic garden at Edgecombe boasts an notable yield, producing around 300 plants. This method of growing food without soil uses 80% to 90% less water than conventional farming, making it ideal for urban environments like New York City.
“When I first learned about hydroponics, it looked like something out of a science fiction film,” hoffen recalls. “I never saw plants growing in the middle of the air.It seemed like such an incredible technology to me. I didn’t know why the whole world wasn’t running on hydroponics.”
Hoffen’s passion for hydroponics began in 2019 during a trip to Israel when he was just 12 years old. Sence then, he’s been building his own hydroponic systems, driven by a desire to find lasting solutions to food insecurity.
The fresh produce from Hoffen’s garden at Edgecombe is enjoyed by staff, residents, and others who receive donations from Growing peace.
For more information on Hoffen or Growing Peace, visit https://www.growingpeaceinc.org/.
Hydroponic Hope: Teen Brings Fresh Food to NYC Correctional Facility
NewsDirect3.com Exclusive Interview
NewsDirect3.com: Steven, congratulations on yoru astonishing initiative bringing fresh, locally grown produce to the Edgecombe Correctional Facility. What inspired you to expand Growing Peace’s mission in this unique direction?
Steven Hoffen: thank you! It feels awesome to give back to the community, especially because I know so much about how New York City struggles with food insecurity.
When I first learned about hydroponics, it almost looked like something out of a science fiction film. I never saw plants growing in the middle of the air. It seemed like such an incredible technology to me. I didn’t know why the whole world wasn’t running on hydroponics.
NewsDirect3.com: That’s amazing! tell us about your hydroponic garden at Edgecombe. How much produce are you able to grow, and what kind of impact do you hope it will have on the residents and staff?
Steven Hoffen: Our hydroponic garden at Edgecombe boasts a notable yield, producing around 300 plants.The fresh produce we grow is enjoyed by staff, residents, and others who receive donations from Growing Peace.
NewsDirect3.com: Hydroponics is such an innovative approach to farming, especially in an urban surroundings like New York City. what are the main advantages of this method, especially in a setting like a correctional facility?
Steven Hoffen: Absolutely! This method of growing food without soil uses 80% to 90% less water than conventional farming, making it ideal for urban environments like New York city.
NewsDirect3.com: Your passion for hydroponics started at a young age. Tell us about your journey and what motivates you to continue this amazing work.
Steven Hoffen: My passion for hydroponics began in 2019 during a trip to Israel when I was just 12 years old. Since then, I’ve been building my own hydroponic systems, driven by a desire to find lasting solutions to food insecurity.
NewsDirect3.com: Where do you see growing Peace going in the future? What are your aspirations for the association?
Steven Hoffen: I hope to expand our reach and impact even further. I beleive everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food, regardless of their circumstances.