What Is Hydroponics

Dan & Lisa Brenneman

Florida Veggies & More

Growing Hope & Planting a Second Chance for Those in Need
Dan & Lisa Brenneman 5976 20th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32966 772-559-5641 flvegies@hotmail.com

Florida Veggies & More Mission Statement

To reduce hunger, obesity and diabetes in Florida by locally

growing, through sustainable farming practices, nutritious

food products for distribution to those in need through local food banks and partner organizations, while integrating life management counseling, education and training opportunities for those that are seeking a second chance.

Florida Vegies & More Hydroponics Farm

What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture and is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool, expanded clay or coconut husk. Researchers discovered in the 18th century that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth. When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics. Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching.

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Benefits of Hydroponic Farming
Some of the reasons why hydroponics is being adapted around the world for food production are the following: No soil is needed The water stays in the system and can be reused - thus, lower water costs It is possible to control the nutrition levels in their entirety - thus, lower nutrition costs No nutrition pollution is released into the environment because of the controlled system Stable and high yields Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of than in soil because of the container's mobility There are two chief merits of the soil-less cultivation of plants. First, hydroponics may potentially produce much higher crop yields. Also, hydroponics can be used in places where in-ground agriculture or gardening are not possible.

Florida Vegies & More Hydroponics Farm

Vertical Hydroponic Growing Systems provide for very high density production, as well as space and water savings, for Commercial Growers. Whether for the purpose of small farms, large scale agricultural operations, or research, this is the most efficient growing system for producing vegetables and fruit. Anyone can assemble and operate vertical gardens and grow hydroponic vegetables and fruit in a much smaller space, due to the higher density allowed by the systems.
Stackable pots are insulated to protect the plants from extreme temperatures. Stacking pots in vertical towers allows for very high density production in a far smaller amount of space making the system an excellent alternative for CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and Food Banks.

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About Florida Association of Food Banks (FAFB)

The FAFB's member food banks serve a network of 3,000+ faith-based and nonprofit agencies in all 67 counties in the state of Florida. Through the generosity of food manufacturers, the Florida agricultural community, wholesalers, retailers, federal commodity programs, and local communities, the member Food Banks distributed more than 134 million pounds of food last year to our neighbors in need.
The Florida Association of Food Banks is affiliated with Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger-relief organization. Each FAFB member food bank must meet stringent guidelines to be associated with Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank Network). This contracted relationship assures both financial and operational excellence. It also provides accountability through network training, site monitoring and the maintenance of substantial records verifying conformity to established Federal and State safe food handling standards.

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Tallahassee (Serving: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor & Wakulla Counties) America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Inc. Lake City (Serving: Columbia, Hamilton, Suwannee & Union Counties) Florida Gateway Food Bank

Milton (Serving: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton & Washington Counties) Bay Area Food Bank Gainesville (Serving: Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette & Levy Counties) Bread of the Mighty Tampa (Serving: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas & Sumter Counties) Feeding America Tampa Bay Bradenton (Serving: Manatee County) Food Bank of Manatee County Sarasota (Serving: DeSoto & Sarasota Counties) All Faiths Food Bank Ft. Myers (Serving: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry & Lee Counties) Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

Jacksonville (Serving: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam & St. Johns Counties) Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Florida

Ocala (Serving: Marion County) First Step Food Bank

Lakeland (Serving: Polk, Hardee & Highlands Counties) Agape Food Bank

Pembrook Park (Serving: Broward, MiamiDade, Monroe & Palm Beach Counties) Feeding South Florida

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Farmers Feeding Florida

What is FFF? More than 3 million of our neighbors struggle to afford nutritious food, while many farmers and packers may have surplus food that can help to ease the burden. Farmers Feeding Florida (FFF) is a food recovery program instituted by the FAFB. Their goal is to work in partnership with farmers and packers in Florida to distribute unmarketable produce to our neighbors in need. FFF has been endorsed by Floridas major commodity groups and is supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and grants from private foundations.

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If you want to give bread to those in need you must first build a bakery

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