Vertical farms for public housing

A novel partnership between the housing authority of Jersey City, New Jersey and AeroFarms will create two vertical farms, part of a citywide program that will ultimately involve 10 sites producing some 19,000 pounds of vegetables annually. Food will be provided free of charge to public housing residents who complete a healthy eating course, and "will greatly increase healthy food access where needed most while also encouraging our most vulnerable residents to pursue a healthier lifestyle." The farms will be built and operated by AeroFarms. Schoolchildren will also be involved in produce distribution and health eating education programs coordinated by local Boys & Girls Club and Head Start Early Childhood Learning.

This program points towards a future where public housing provides a platform for sustainable, technology-enhanced urban farming, unlocking multiple loops of circular value creation, resource and energy recovery, and improved quality of life.