Case Study: Montel and Teens for Food Justice: Cultivating Change Through Mobile Vertical Farming

Introduction

Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a food-secure future through youth-led hydroponic farming. Their mission is to address food inequity and empower young people to become leaders in their communities. To achieve this, TFFJ operates multiple school-based farms across New York City and Denver, Colorado. Recognizing the potential of TFFJ's youth-led mission, Montel forged a partnership to provide innovative mobile racking systems, contributing to the organization's achievements. Montel donated a GREENRAK multi-level mobile, vertical farming system to TFFJ’s site at Scholars Academy, a preparatory school for grades 6-12 in Rockaway Park. 

The Challenge

New York City grapples with a persistent food security crisis, where access to fresh, nutritious food is limited for many. Schools are uniquely positioned to address this issue. However, traditional farming methods are ill-suited to the constraints of urban environments, particularly within school buildings. Limited space, lack of natural light, and stringent indoor air quality standards pose significant challenges to cultivating food indoors. Additionally, the complexities of school infrastructure and operations create hurdles for implementing sustainable food production initiatives. TFFJ sought a solution that would enable them to maximize food production in limited spaces and provide educational opportunities for young people.

The Solution: A Partnership for Impact

The partnership between Montel and TFFJ has proven to be a catalyst for change. Montel's mobile racking systems have transformed the Far Rockaway farm into an efficient, productive, inspiring, and safe learning environment. Within the classroom’s 1,072 sq ft footprint, Montel’s GREENRAK system allowed TFFJ to create an 800 sq ft growing area increasing production by 50 percent. Here they can grow 365 days per year in the heart of the Rockaways, reducing food miles.  

Results

The partnership between Montel and TFFJ has yielded impressive results:

• Increased food production: TFFJ farms have seen a significant increase in crop yield, providing fresh produce to thousands of community members. The Scholars Academy Farm has the potential to produce 9,055 lbs of produce per year. Since its first harvest in December 2023, the farm has produced 4,063 lbs. Normally, TFFJ would only be able to fit 2 racks in that room, but since adding Montel’s mobile racks, they could add a third, which allowed for a 50% increase in crop yields.
• Student leadership development: TFFJ students have emerged as confident and knowledgeable young leaders, equipped with the skills to address food-related challenges. During the last school year, a total of 284 students were involved directly in the program at Scholars' Academy.
• Community impact: TFFJ has become a vital resource for food-insecure communities, providing access to healthy food and promoting nutrition education. To date, the Scholars Academy Farm has donated 1,461 lbs of produce, about 35% of their yields. TFFJ partners with local CBOs JASA and TCAH who coordinate local distribution via their programs in the Rockaways.
• Positive environmental impact: The hydroponic farms, powered by Montel's efficient racking system, have reduced water usage by recirculating it and have eliminated the need for harmful pesticides that contribute to agricultural runoff. All of TFFJ’s discarded growing materials are compostable, reducing waste. 
• Enhanced Learning Environment: The modern and professional look of the Montel racks creates an inspiring learning environment for students. The racks are user-friendly, empowering students to take ownership of the farming process and develop essential skills.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Montel and Teens for Food Justice exemplifies the power of partnership in addressing complex social and environmental challenges. By combining innovative technology with a youth-focused approach, they have created a model for sustainable food production and community empowerment. As the demand for fresh, locally grown food continues to rise, this partnership serves as a blueprint for others to follow.