EAST CHICAGO — A Hoosier-made aquaponics system for growing organic fruits and vegetables with zero waste will be used to feed the hungry.
East Chicago officials and Glynn Barber, the inventor of the aquaponics system, were on hand for the unveiling at the greenhouse at Washington Park on Jan. 20.
The project is in conjunction with Environmentally Controlled Sustainable Integrated Agriculture of Redkey, Ind.
The project will include transforming the greenhouse, training staff and growing organic food.
City Planner Marino Solorio said the produce grown in the greenhouse will primarily go to The Salvation Army food programs in the winter months and will be sold at local farmers markets in the summer months.
"We want to be able to provide affordable, healthy food," Solorio said. "A salad costs almost as much as a full-course meal in some restaurants. We want to drop prices of fresh vegetables."
Photo: Dreamstime.com
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