Located in the heart of the city, Urban Bounty Farms, is an innovative farm utilizing cutting-edge hydroponic technology to cultivate a wide variety of vegetables and herbs year-round, regardless of the weather conditions outside. By growing their crops indoors, Urban Bounty Farms minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for harmful pesticides, making their produce not only fresher but also more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Urban Bounty Farms is its commitment to community engagement and education. While they do not offer tours to the public, I was invited for a behind the scenes look to learn about hydroponic farming. (Check out our Instagram page to see highlights from my tour!) Chief farmHER Lena is passionate about sharing the importance of sustainable agriculture. She aims to empower individuals to make informed choices about their food and inspire them to support local, environmentally conscious farming practices. Additionally, Urban Bounty Farms often collaborates with local organizations to decrease food waste (they donated 365 pounds in their first year of farming) and to encourage healthy eating habits among Kansas City residents.
Furthermore, Urban Bounty Farms plays a crucial role in enhancing food security in the Kansas City area. By producing fresh, nutritious vegetables and herbs locally, they reduce the city's dependence on imported produce and help ensure that everyone has access to healthy food options locally. Their efforts contribute to building a more resilient and self-sufficient food system, strengthening the community's ability to withstand challenges such as climate change and supply chain disruptions. Urban Bounty Farms serves as a shining example of how innovative urban agriculture can address pressing environmental and social issues while promoting health and sustainability.
Lena also wanted to share her two recipe E-books with our Macaroni KID readers: