JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville nonprofit is looking at sustainable ways to combat food insecurity throughout the community.
On Thursday, community members gathered for the unveiling of the Weaver Center aquaponics urban farm in Downtown Jacksonville by the nonprofit, FreshMinistries.
FreshMinistries said it's part of its mission to "fight against food insecurity through sustainable solutions."
Aquaponics works by creating an ecosystem in which fish and plants work together to make fresh produce in a way that lowers their carbon footprint.
It can be explained as "a sustainable farming method that combines the benefits of aquaculture–raising fish in tanks–with hydroponics–cultivating plants in water–to create a symbiotic ecosystem where fish and plants thrive together."
The organization partnered with Chartwells K12 to help supply fresh produce to the Duval County Public Schools system.
The FreshMinisties core Aquaponics greenhouse, NativeFresh, produced more than 11,000 plants that were then given to area school children, according to the nonprofit.
"This facility is more than just a farm—it is a beacon of hope and innovation in our ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity,” said Rev. Dr. Robert V. Lee III, chairman and CEO of FreshMinistries. “By leveraging sustainable farming practices, we are not only providing a key source of nourishment but also fostering resilience, environmental stewardship and empowerment within the communities we serve.”
FreshMinistries said it plans to provide specialized training in aquaponics and business operations to people in low-income communities experiencing food insecurity.
The facility can produce up to 4,000 pounds of tilapia annually and up to 240,000 heads of lettuce or other produce, according to the nonprofit.
This is the second opening of an aquaponics farm for FreshMinistries. In March, FreshMinistries opened an aquaponics farm and training center in Johannesburg, South Africa.
