"We noticed something was off when the HVAC started struggling with the prolonged extreme heat. The total failure at the end of June was devastating. We arrived to find the farm at 96 degrees and over 80% humidity," says Michael Lynch, Farm Manager at Greens Do Good.
Greens Do Good is a vertical farm in Hackensack, NJ, dedicated to producing local food and providing meaningful job training and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. Through their Workforce Development Program, they provide over 1,000 hours of training to teenagers and young adults with autism each year. The breakdown resulted in numerous students unable to work at the farm, and being educated on their future goals.
The temperatures inside the farm
On top of that, the failure of the HVAC system had severe consequences on the farm's produce. The high air temperature caused GDGs microgreens and other younger plants to dry out and wilt overnight, while the high water temperature caused irreparable damage to the roots of the more mature plants. Michael explains, "This root damage inhibited crucial nutrient uptake and resulted in a cascading loss that will continue to impact our product availability through July."
In the wake of the HVAC failure, Greens Do Good quickly launched a fundraising effort to address the damage. "The fundraising effort began almost immediately after we assessed the extent of the damage, reaching out to donors, partners, and our online community of supporters." And the response was overwhelming. "We are so grateful for the response we've received from the community. It reaffirms our belief in the power of community and the importance of the work we do."
The result of the HVAC failure
With the HVAC system repaired, the farm is once again operational. Lynch highlights the dedication of the team during this challenging time: "Our dedicated staff worked tirelessly to salvage what they could and begin the rebuilding process. When the HVAC was brought back online and the temperature became bearable in the farm again, we welcomed our neurodiverse groups back to the farm. The students were happy to return to the farm and get back to work!"
The Greens do Good team announced a new partnership with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Eyes set on the price!
Looking forward, Greens Do Good is committed to continuing its mission. "With the HVAC system repaired and the farm operational again, we are working around the clock to seed, plant, and grow new crops," Michael says. Greens do Good's goal has been to minimize disruption to clients and ensure that they continue to receive the fresh produce they depend on. "The recovery has been arduous, but through the team's hard work and the continued support of the community, we are eager to get back to full capacity next month."
In the next half year, Greens Do Good is embarking on an exciting new project, partnering with Bergen Community College (BCC) on the New Jersey 'NextGen Farm to Table Education, Employment, and Career Pathway' project. This initiative, funded by a five-year, $4.5 million grant from the USDA, aims to create pathways to employment in the fields of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) for diverse student populations, including neurodiverse youth and adults. Greens Do Good will provide consultative services on hydroponic farming and focus on supporting neurodiverse individuals through job training and mentorship.
"We are more determined than ever to continue growing and making a positive impact in our community. While we've raised the funds to cover some repairs, we need more to deliver on our commitment to those we serve and assist in our rebuilding efforts," Michael shares
For those interested in supporting Greens Do Good, donations can be made here.
For more information:
Greens Do Good
For more information:
Greens Do Good
Michael Lynch, Farm Manager
[email protected]
https://greensdogood.com