Pro-Vision has received a grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club for their Pro-Vision/McNair Urban farm. With the support of Sun Club, the Pro-Vision/McNair Urban farm will be able to add three new aquaponic greenhouses, increasing produce output by over 37,000 pounds annually.
Aquaponics is a food production system that combines aquaculture - raising aquatic animals, such as fish, in tanks - and cultivating plants in water. The nutrient-rich aquaculture water is fed to hydroponic-grown plants.
Diana Seifert, COO of Pro-Vision, Inc. (left) and Johnny Richardson, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Program Manager (right) stand with Pro-Vision representatives inside an unfinished aquaponic greenhouse.
The new aquaponic greenhouses will not only increase the production of fresh produce but also create more opportunities for education, employment, and empowerment. The Pro-Vision/McNair Urban Farm sustainably grows produce using aquaponics, with all proceeds benefiting Pro-Vision, Inc.'s programs in the Sunnyside community. The farm serves as a living classroom for young people to learn about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and nutrition. It also provides job training and income generation for youth employed in the greenhouses. This expansion will give more youth the opportunity to set and achieve goals, attend college, and gain valuable skills. Through this initiative, Pro-Vision, Inc. hopes to inspire more individuals to join their mission of transforming lives and the Sunnyside community.
"The partnership between Pro-Vision, Inc. and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club will have a positive impact on the youth in Sunnyside, a historically underserved neighborhood in Houston." said Diana Seifert, COO of Pro-Vision, Inc. "Through these programs, the partnership will help the youth develop valuable skills, confidence, and leadership abilities that will prepare them for college and career success. The partnership will also empower the youth to become agents of change in their community."
"We're proud to help Pro-Vision expand its urban farming operation and educate the community about sustainable agriculture while providing young people access to academic, economic, and social enrichment opportunities," said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. "We know empowering young people with the principles of sustainability ensures future generations remain committed to nurturing our planet."
For more information:
Pro-Vision
provision-inc.org
Green Mountain Energy
greenmountainenergy.com