At Fork Farms, we believe in the power of hands-on food education to transform lives—and thanks to a powerful partnership between Grow It Forward and the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA, that transformation is happening right now.
As part of the YMCA’s Energyze summer program, local sixth through eighth graders are discovering the joy and impact of growing their own food using a Fork Farms Flex Farm, an indoor hydroponic farm that makes it possible to grow fresh produce year-round, without soil or sunlight.
Grow It Forward, a nonprofit committed to improving food access and education, lent the Flex Farm unit to the YMCA to create a unique, interactive learning experience. The students are growing leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables indoors, many of them for the very first time.
“Empowering young people with the skills and knowledge to grow their own food is a powerful tool for lifelong health and wellness,” says Julie Grossman, CEO of the YMCA.
The Flex Farm is designed for simplicity and impact. Each unit can grow more than 25 pounds of produce per month in just 2–3 square feet of space, using up to 98% less water than traditional agriculture. This means students can get a firsthand look at sustainable agriculture in action and taste the results.
Amber Daugs, CEO of Grow It Forward, shares:
“We’re excited to partner with organizations like the YMCA and local schools to nurture a new generation of food-literate youth.”
This partnership is part of Grow It Forward’s broader mission to advance community nutrition and food equity, and it aligns closely with Fork Farms’ mission to unleash the power of fresh food for every person, every day. By bringing Flex Farms into youth programs, schools, and community spaces, we’re creating more than just access to food; we’re planting seeds of curiosity, confidence, and change. When young people grow food, they grow life skills, healthier communities, and the future.
Learn more about how Fork Farms and Flex Farms are transforming classrooms and communities at Fork Farms. You can also learn more about the work of Grow it Forward here.