LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A high-tech community farm is up and running in Las Vegas’ historic Westside, helping people living in “food deserts” get fresh groceries and produce.
The 70,000-square-foot project, planned for James Gay Park between Harrison Avenue and B Street, will use a technique called “permanent farming,” which allows growers to grow crops in mounds of soil instead of on flat land. The product is grown in shipping containers.
“The containers offer a variety of crop production capabilities – their systems can grow lettuce, leafy greens, herbs, grapes, berries and vegetables, root vegetables and flowers, allowing the growing of produce that is wanted and desired by Historic Westside residents,” said a Facebook post by the City of Las Vegas.
“Over the years, we’ve had a hard time bringing in a big box store for groceries. By Councilman Cedric Creer In Ward Five, especially if you look at our community in the historic Westside, unfortunately 25% of our ward residents experience food insecurity.
“The nonprofit runs a local grocery store that employs people and sells produce in the community. People who live in the community, who qualify for SNAP, can get what we grow for free, and they also get a discount if they live in the community, working with Three Square to bring food to the community. And if you’re out of the community, you pay the market price,” Cree said.
MGM Resorts recently made a $500,000 donation to Las Vegas Life through the Mayor’s Fund.
The shipping containers may arrive in the area by November.
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