Rooted in community. Powered by innovation. Designed for impact. A hydroponic container farm growing fresh, sustainable produce and microgreens year-round to fight food insecurity in Evansville, Indiana.
Our Mission
Designing Access to Fresh Food
We Grow Aces™ improves access to fresh, nutrient-dense produce through controlled-environment agriculture and hydroponic container farming. As a campus sustainability project, We Grow Aces™ connects sustainable food systems, nutrition access, urban agriculture, and community food access in Evansville, Indiana, into one scalable model built for long-term community impact.
2025
Initiative Launched
Dignity in Food Access
Treating food access as a shared community responsibility, not charity alone.
Sustainable Production
Local hydroponic growing that conserves water and eliminates long-distance transport.
Nutrition Education
Building food literacy through real-world, hands-on learning opportunities.
Community Partnership
Collaborating with campus, schools, health institutions, and local organizations.
Responsible Innovation
Using technology thoughtfully to create scalable, practical food solutions.
Long-Term Resilience
Designing food systems that strengthen communities for the future.
The Challenge
Why This Matters
Food insecurity in Evansville isn't just about hunger — it's about whether people have access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food that supports long-term health. The We Grow Aces container farm addresses this challenge by growing fresh produce and microgreens locally, year-round, and educating communities about nutrition access and sustainable food systems.
Food Insecurity in Evansville
Many Evansville residents lack consistent access to fresh, nutritious food. We Grow Aces addresses community food access through year-round hydroponic production.
Nutrition Access Gaps
Food as medicine starts with access — fresh produce and microgreens remain out of reach for many. We Grow Aces brings nutrition access directly to Evansville communities.
Supply Chain Vulnerability
Heavy reliance on long-distance food transport creates fragile systems. Our Evansville container farm grows food locally, eliminating food miles and building resilience.
Education & Sustainability Gap
We Grow Aces is an innovation agriculture project that unites sustainable food systems, nutrition education, and campus sustainability.
The Process
How It Works
Water-Based Nutrient Delivery
Instead of soil, plants receive nutrients through a carefully managed water-based system, making efficient use of resources while significantly reducing water usage compared to traditional farming.
Tower Garden Growing System
LED-Controlled Growth
Seed placement is followed by a monitored growth phase under LED lighting, providing precise light cycles for optimal plant development year-round inside the container.
Growth Time-Lapse — Early Development
Controlled Environment
Temperature, humidity, and airflow are precisely managed inside the container for year-round growing regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
Tower Garden
Harvest & Distribution
Mature crops are harvested and distributed directly to campus dining, local restaurants, schools, and community organizations — from tower to table with zero food miles.
Growth Time-Lapse — Full Tower Maturity
Our Impact
Sustainability & Community Impact
95%
Less Water Used
Compared to traditional farming methods
365
Days of Growing
Year-round production regardless of weather
0
Food Miles
Grown and distributed locally on campus
100%
Biodegradable Media
Seed pods made from renewable materials
3,920
Plants at Capacity
26,000+
Servings Per Year
650–980
Plants Harvested / Week
500–1,000
Food Servings / Week
We Grow Aces supports social sustainability by treating food access as a matter of dignity, partnership, and community responsibility. The project builds relationships with schools, health institutions, community organizations, restaurants, clinics, and wellness programs to integrate fresh food into the broader system of wellness, learning, and resilience.
Inside the Farm
Our Growing Gallery
What We Grow
Our Product Portfolio
Microgreens
Nutrient-dense tiny greens packed with flavor and vitamins, perfect for culinary use and nutrition education.
Leafy Greens
Lettuce varieties including Caipira, Litska, Divisor, and Dakar — fresh and crisp year-round.
Herbs
Cilantro, Basil (Genovese & Cinnamon), Dill, and more — aromatic herbs grown to perfection.
Vegetables
Mini Cucumbers, Slicing Cucumbers, Jalapeño Peppers, and Sorrel — fresh from tower to table.
Who We Serve
Community Partners
We aim to serve a range of partners to strengthen food access and build a consistent supply system that creates real value in our community.
Campus Dining
Fresh produce directly to campus dining halls and cafes.
Local Restaurants
Supplying Evansville chefs with premium, locally-grown ingredients.
Schools & Nonprofits
Nutrition education and fresh food for students and community orgs.
Health Institutions
Supporting hospitals and clinics with food-as-medicine initiatives.
Nutrition Programs
Partnering with dietitians and wellness programs to expand access.
Community Orgs
Collaborating with local groups to reduce food insecurity together.
Food Banks
Donating fresh produce to those most in need across Evansville.
Wellness Partners
Working with fitness and wellness businesses to promote healthy living.
From Seed to Tower
Our Seed Pods
Each plant begins its journey in a seed pod — a compact growing vessel that cradles the seedling before it moves into the hydroponic tower system.
Our System
Container Farm Technology
A commercial grow system designed for efficient local production without the need for a full facility build-out. Brings production close to the point of consumption while reducing water use and simplifying setup.
Container Size
20 ft container
Plant Capacity
3,920 plants
Water Savings
up to 95% less water
Infrastructure
50A power + garden hose
Why It Works
Localize production without a full facility build-out.
Stabilize yields with a controlled environment and predictable utilities.
Create a compact commercial system that is easier to deploy and operate.
Key Features
Vertical Farming
Maximize production with a vertical growing system that delivers more output in a smaller footprint.
Climate Controlled
Maintain consistent growing conditions year - round regardless of the weather outside.
Water Efficient
Use up to 95% less water than traditional farming methods while growing clean produce locally.
Plug & Grow
Simple setup with minimal infrastructure. Just plug in 50A power and connect a garden hose.
Ready to evaluate a container farm?
Get in TouchMeet TapSeed
Our custom-built AI platform that tracks every seed, harvest, and dollar — bringing data-driven precision to the container farm.
Impact at Scale
Our Reach
3,920
Plants at Full Scale
across 14 vertical towers
650 - 980
Weekly Harvest
harvestable plants per week
500 - 1,000
Weekly Impact
fresh-food servings per week
26k+
Annual Reach
fresh-food servings per year
At full scale, We Grow Aces has the potential to create a consistent, year-round source of fresh produce that strengthens meals, improves nutrition access, and supports students and community members across Evansville.
From Tower to Table
Delivering Fresh Produce to Our Partners
Every harvest is packed with care and delivered directly to our community partners — same day, clearly labeled, and full of flavor.
Harvested Fresh
Produce is harvested directly from the towers on delivery day — never stored overnight.
Carefully Packed
Each variety is labeled and packed in boxes to maintain freshness and quality.
Locally Delivered
Delivered directly to campus dining, restaurants, and community partners across Evansville.
Zero Food Miles
From tower to table the same day — no long-distance transport, no cold chain needed.
In the News
Media Coverage
We Grow Aces! Initiative Completes First Harvest Delivery to Pangea Restaurant Group
The We Grow Aces! initiative reached a milestone on June 6, completing its first harvest and delivering fresh greens and herbs to Pangea Restaurant Group.
We Grow Aces Program Delivers First Harvest of Fresh Produce
The We Grow Aces! program reached a significant milestone by delivering its first harvest of fresh produce.
We Grow Aces Initiative Completes First Harvest Delivery
The We Grow Aces! initiative reached a milestone by completing its first harvest and delivering fresh produce to Pangea Restaurant Group.
Community Initiative Boosts Sustainable Farming With First Harvest Delivery
An important milestone was achieved through the 'We Grow Aces!' initiative, highlighting sustainability, community support, and student learning.
Our Philosophy
Food as Medicine
We believe fresh, locally grown produce isn't just food — it's one of the most powerful tools we have for building healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Latest Writing
From Our Blog
Hydroponic vs. Grocery-Store Produce: What Really Determines Nutritional Quality?
Nutritional quality depends on many factors beyond where a plant is grown. We Grow Aces explores how local hydroponic production can protect freshness and support a stronger community food system.
More Than a Garnish
Sometimes, the smallest plants can open the biggest conversations. Microgreens look simple — but their nutrient density and scientific significance make them far more than decoration.
From Lead to Life: Growing a Healthier Evansville
In parts of Evansville, soil contamination is a real public health concern. We Grow Aces explores how hydroponic farming offers a safer, soil-free path to fresh local food.
A Healthier Evansville Starts with Fresh Food
Health in Evansville is shaped by what people can access and afford. We Grow Aces addresses food insecurity by producing fresh, nutritious produce locally.
Come See It in Person
Schedule a Farm Visit
We welcome schools, nonprofits, universities, community groups, and individuals for guided tours with a live growing system demo.
Who is visiting the container farm?
Get Involved
Support & Connect
Every investment, partnership, and contribution plays a role in advancing this initiative.
Support Our Mission
Financial contributions directly support seeds, growing materials, nutrient systems, and equipment to maintain and expand the hydroponic container farm.
Donate NowMore?
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