US: Tennessee church finds ministry in hydroponic farming

Cedar Point Church in Maryville, Tennessee started growing its hydroponic garden for two reasons: to develop a program offering a sustainable and healthy food source to its church family, and to build a sense of partnership between church members and the community.

While the garden is still in its early stages (it was started about three months ago), Kurt Steinbach, the church’s lead pastor is enthusiastic about the growing produce. Currently, Harvest Farms Co-op, the name of the church’s hydroponic gardening operation, grows several varieties of tomato, bell pepper, hot banana peppers, Anaheim peppers, green leaf lettuce varieties, eggplant, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, and green beans. In late June, the co-op was preparing for its first harvest.

“We sell to members and also donate 20 percent of the harvest to those in the community in need, such as single moms, widows, disabled, and those unable to purchase fresh vegetables, otherwise,” Gayle Abbott, marketing and membership associate, says. The cost to join the co-op is $60 a year and anyone is welcome to join. Currently, the co-op has almost 100 families.

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