Turning over a new leaf: High school student grows hydroponic food for NYC prisoners
Since founding the nonprofit Growing Peace during the pandemic, Riverdale Country junior Steven Hoffen already helped feed thousands of hungry New Yorkers by harnessing the power of hydroponic farming.
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A fresh start with some fresh food.
A local high school student is continuing his mission to make the tri-state more "green" and "better fed."
Since founding the nonprofit Growing Peace during the pandemic, Riverdale Country junior Steven Hoffen already helped feed thousands of hungry New Yorkers by harnessing the power of hydroponic farming.
Now, he's taking his fresh food to an unlikely place - behind bars.
"It feels awesome to give back to the community, especially because I know so much about how New York City struggles with food insecurity," says Hoffen.
Hoffen says the hydroponic garden at the minimum-security Edgecombe Correctional Facility grows about 300 plants in total.
Hydroponics is a method of growing food without the need for soil.
Hoffen says because hydroponics uses 80% to 90% less water than traditional farming, it can be used in urban areas, like New York City because it takes up less space. Plants can also be grown vertically.
The teen says he initially learned about hydroponics while visiting Israel in 2019 when he was 12. He says ever since he learned about it, he's been installing his own hydroponic systems.
"When I first learned about hydroponics, it looked like something out of a science fiction film. I never saw plants growing in the middle of the air," he says. "It seemed like such an incredible technology to me. I didn't know why the whole world wasn't running on hydroponics."
His fresh food is enjoyed by the staff who work there, residents of the facility and others who receive his donations.
For more information on Hoffen or Growing Peace, CLICK HERE.
