The Mamdani administration is launching a new program to turn felons into gourmet-food producers and offer “farm-to-table’’ dining for inmates.
The New York City Correction Department has awarded a nearly $230,000 annual contractto a Colorado-based firm, FarmBox Foods, to teach inmates — or “persons in custody” — at Rikers Island and other municipal jails how to “vertical” farm in an urban setting.
“The purpose of this agreement is to procure a Vertical Hydroponic Farm for Persons-inCustody (PICs) to develop a skill that can be utilized when being released from custody,” the Correction Department said in a public notice announcing the award.
“The Department of Correction seeks to revitalize its Workforce Development Unit to include new and innovative trades and skill building classes that directly relate to re-entry and reduced recidivism.
“Based on an evaluation of potential trades and skills that are felony friendly, DOC believes that there is a gap in services as it pertains to urban agriculture, community gardening, local and small business entrepreneurship, local and small business perspectives, and culinary arts,” the agency’s notice said.
The food grown on the farm will be used to provide healthy, “farm-to-table”food options for inmate meals.
FarmBox Foods previously launched a vertical farm at the Coleman Low Federal Correctional Institution in Florida.
“The farm produces high volumes of nutritious food and readies the adults in custody for release, equipping them with a skill set that can contribute to their community while reducing the likelihood of recidivism,” the firm says on its website.
Vertical hydroponic farming is a method where crops grow in stacked, vertical layers without soil.
Plant roots receive minerals and water through a circulating nutrient-rich water solution, and LED grow lights ensure plants receive adequate light when produced indoors.
FarmBox Foods’ controlled-climate Vertical Hydroponic Farm can simultaneously grow more than 7,000 plants.
Housed in pre-insulated shipping containers, these boxes grow leafy greens, herbs, peppers, small tomatoes, micro greens and tree seedlings, among other vegetables.
“Production occurs near your consumer, reducing food miles, alleviating supply chain issues and preserving shelf life,” FarmBox Foods says on its website.
The system is equipped with sensors & software to control all climate conditions, including temperature, humidity, watering schedule, lighting, air exchange, pH levels and nutrient concentration.
Another benefit: Pests and weeds aren’t an issue since there’s no soil — as long as the system is cleaned regularly.
Vertical hydroponic farming also uses substantially less water than an outdoor, soil-based farm.
The Correction Department said it’s eager to provide convicted or accused criminals in custody a valuable skill when they re-enter society.
“We have a therapeutic horticulture program. We plan on expanding the program with potential for workforce-readiness,” a DOC rep said.
DOC Commissioner Stanley Richards, who was incarcerated at Rikers as a young man, is a booster of the horticulture program and has visited the existing outdoor gardens tended to by inmates at Rikers.
The agency awarded FarmBox Foods a one-year contract for $228,000, with an option to renew.
“FarmBox Foods is the sole manufacturer and exclusive source of its proprietary products,” the agency said.
“All FarmBox Foods units are exclusively designed, engineered, and fabricated in the United States, and are sold directly by FarmBox Foods. Therefore, DOC has determined that proceeding with FarmBox Foods LLC as the sole source provider is in the best interest of the City.”
The massive Rikers Island jail complex will be phased out and replaced by new borough-based jails over the next five years.
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