Youth group takes greenhouse off grid with grant to grow veggies in inner city

HALIFAX – A youth group that grows fresh produce in one of Halifax’s poorest neighbourhoods is taking its greenhouse off the grid with the help of a Canadian green energy producer.

Bullfrog Power is giving Hope Blooms a grant to build a solar array and battery backup that will allow its greenhouse without using conventional electricity.

The young people’s group operates a 360-square metre community garden in the north end of Halifax, growing more than 900 kilograms of produce a year.

Proceeds from the sale of goods produced by Hope Blooms are used to support educational programs and scholarships.

The group started several years ago with nine young people to empower at-risk youth through nutritional education, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Jessie Jollymore, the group’s executive director, says 100 per cent of the greenhouse’s energy requirements will be met by the solar array and battery system.

Bullfrog did not specify a dollar figure for the grant.