FACCES Greenhouse & Garden: A Year of Harvest and Growth

This year, our greenhouse and garden have produced over 30 different crops, yielding an average of 20 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs each month. In the past month alone, we harvested squash, okra, tomatoes, beans, greens, and radishes. Beyond plants, our aquaponic tank has also provided us with healthy fish, enriching the bounty we share with our community.

However, these successes didn’t come easily. We faced challenges like harsh weather and a power outage that nearly wiped out our fish. At times, we worried about the survival of our crops, and the summer drought took a toll on many plants. Thanks to the leadership of Ms. Ruby, our dedicated gardener, guidance from Marc at Central State, and daily care from volunteers like Goodwill, we pulled through. Their hard work, especially during the drought, ensured that our garden thrived.

Now, we’re excited to invite you to our first FACCES Cooking Class, open to all FACCES Family members! The class will take place on November 12, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Families will learn how to prepare a nutritious meal using ingredients from our greenhouse and garden, including fish from our aquaponic tank. It’s a wonderful way to bring our harvest to your table and cook together as a community.

You can also help choose the meal we’ll make! Visit our Instagram or Facebook pages to vote for your preferred dish. Be sure to sign up as space is limited.

Over 400 Meals Served!

With the support of FACCES teens, 469 meals have been served through the Summer Food Service Program. Over the past two months, both snacks and supper were provided at no cost to children aged 1 to 18. What made this program special was the opportunity for teens to use fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the FACCES greenhouse and garden.

After the harvest, the produce was used by the teens to prepare daily meals. They learned to incorporate the freshest ingredients into their dishes, gaining valuable culinary skills along the way. Beyond the kitchen, it was inspiring to see the lasting relationships formed as a result of working closely together. This program has been about more than just food—it’s been about community, growth, and the lifelong skills these young people will carry with them. 

We’re proud to have been a part of their journey and look forward to seeing them continue to blossom! 

Click below to contact us about how your child can get involved in our programs.

Call Us: (614)319-6070

Email Us: education@thefacces.org

Grand Opening! 

We are excited to announce that The FACCES Kitchen & Theater is now open, completing the journey of providing families with fresh produce through the FACCES Fresh Market and growing crops together in the FACCES’ greenhouse & garden to eat. 

Embarking on the farm-to-table concept, the kitchen allows youth and families to create nutritious meals alongside the FACCES chef through in-person and virtual cooking classes. 

The kitchen and theater welcome a safe space that brings families together to learn across communities as they share culture, experiences and create lasting memories.  

A very special thank you to Chef Jason Johnson for his support in the kitchen design and cooking the very first meal served in the new FACCES Kitchen!

If you want to learn more about the FACCES Kitchen and Theater, call 614-319-6070 or email Kori Johnson, Food Director Food@theFACCES.org 

The FACCES Kitchen & Theater’s primary objective is to provide a safe and well-equipped environment for cooking classes and nutrition workshops. FACCES aims to promote healthy eating habits and culinary skills among young people and their families, empowering them to positively impact their overall well-being. This facility is located less than 100 feet away from the FACCES Urban Garden and will accomplish the true meaning of the farm-to-table concept in an urban environment.

The theater will serve as a platform for educational programs, performances, and cultural events. This will foster creativity, cultural appreciation, and community cohesion, bringing people together through the power of art and expression.

“Our vision is to create a space that not only meets the needs of our community but also promotes growth, learning, and connection. By investing in the FACCES kitchen and theater, we aim to provide a safe and well-equipped environment that promotes healthy eating habits, culinary skills, creativity, cultural appreciation, and community cohesion.”  — Melissa Johnson, Founder and Creator of FACCES

Giving Tuesday will be on November 28, 2023. We hope that you will consider contributing to FACCES! We recognize that every little bit helps. FACCES primarily serves youth living in high-risk neighborhoods and food swamps, which means there is limited or no access to fresh produce and food that promotes good health. We cordially invite individuals and businesses to join us in making a difference and supporting efforts to create a space that promotes healthy, fulfilling lives for all.