Growing Wellness Together: How the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County is Cultivating Community Health with Flex Farms
At Fork Farms, we believe fresh food has the power to transform lives, and it is a belief shared by our partners at the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County. With the installation of a new Flex Farm, an indoor hydroponic garden, at the West Suburban YMCA, the YMCA is planting the seeds of change by bringing sustainable, year-round farming directly into their community center. The new Flex Farm for the YMCA was made possible through support from YUSA.
“We live in Wisconsin, so planting outside isn't always feasible,” says Chelsea Kujawa, Director of Healthy Living at the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County. “Having the hydroponic garden and being able to grow fresh produce year-round has been really fun to share with the community.”
This project is not just about growing lettuce; it’s about growing food access, empathy, and opportunity.
A Living Classroom for Wellness and Access
Food access is a foundational piece of community health. At the YMCA, it’s also a hands-on learning opportunity.
“This initiative started because we saw an opportunity to make a real impact on how members think about food and wellness,” says Katy Groh, Executive Director of the West Suburban YMCA. “It directly ties into our strategic plan by promoting sustainability, access to nutritious food, and overall well-being for all. At the Y, well-being starts with access—access to fresh food, to knowledge, and to the opportunity to build a healthier community.”
With Flex Farms now growing fresh herbs and leafy greens, including lettuce, parsley, and chives, the Y integrates hydroponics into its teaching kitchen, giving members immediate access to the food they grow.
“The food that we’re picking from this hydroponic garden, that’s as nutrient-rich as it gets,” adds Kujawa. “As soon as you pick that, we’re consuming it and eating it.”
Growing Habits—and Empathy—That Last a Lifetime
At Fork Farms, we’ve seen it time and again: when young people grow their own food, their relationship with nutrition changes. Case studies prove that indoor hydroponic growing helps increase children's willingness to try fresh fruits and vegetables because they learn about the foods and are involved in the growing process. What’s more, studies have also shown that students who eat balanced, nutrient-dense meals have higher test scores, better attendance, and improved behavior. The Flex Farm’s ability to supply fresh, healthy produce directly contributes to these outcomes, helping to set students up for success.
“The main way that access to this technology in the West Suburban YMCA can impact families and the kids that attend is primarily through positive perception of fresh food,” says Fork Farms team member Josh Mahlik. “If we can get young people to grow their own fresh food, they’re more likely to eat it and try new things.”
The benefits of hydroponic growing don’t stop at nutrition.
“Kids and families learn a lot about empathy when they grow fresh food,” Mahlik adds. “There’s something incredibly powerful about the process of nurturing something that becomes nourishment for others. This is the perfect environment for that kind of growth.”
A New Model for Community Health
The West Suburban YMCA joins a growing network of YMCA’s embracing Flex Farms as tools for education, nourishment, and empowerment. For Ryan Buck, Executive Director at Southwest YMCA, it’s part of a bigger picture.
“Everyone deserves the chance to grow, to move, to thrive,” said Buck. “Whether it’s through fitness, nutrition, or community support, we’re here to make that possible for all.”
Together with partners like the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, we’re redefining what it means to grow food and what it means to grow community. Because when we invest in access, learning, and sustainability, we’re not just growing plants, we’re growing a healthier future for everyone.
We’re here to help your community grow and thrive. Give Fork Farms a ring to learn more.
