Indoor farm donates thousands of pounds of salad greens to Fort Worth-area food banks
“Having partnerships like Eden Green allows us to bring high quality, nutritious food to people who otherwise may not have access to it”
The company tries to grow 10% more than what is demanded from its customers to account for variability in harvest, like lettuce that grows too small or has tip burn. That plan can create an excess of produce, which the company donates to local organizations.
Julie Butner, president and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, said the food bank has partnered with Eden Green for about eight years. She said produce is often the most expensive grocery item to buy for families.
“Having partnerships like Eden Green allows us to bring high quality, nutritious food to people who otherwise may not have access to it,” Butner said.
The food bank mostly relies on donations to stock its shelves. About 40% of food given to the organization comes from the federal and state government.
The food bank also gets donations from manufacturers and retailers, such as Hello Fresh, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Albertsons. The nonprofit partners with about 60 farmers across the 13 counties the organization serves.
Currently, Tarrant Area Food Bank purchases produce directly from growers with grant funding from a new U.S. Department of Agriculture program designed to support local farmers.