In August, we told you about an innovative new farming and food center we’ve been planning in collaboration with the New Orleans Food and Farm Network (NOFFN). On National Food Day, we are thrilled to announce that we and NOFFN partnered with the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to build the food and farm center – now named Growing Local NOLA – on its grounds.
The site donated by the Convention Center is a 5.7 acre lot at the corner of Melpomene and Tchoupitoulas of which we’ll build on 2.5 acres. We love this central location because it will be easy for the greater NOLA community to access – buses and the streetcar stop nearby and it’s easy to walk and drive to as well.
Growing Local NOLA will be a major hub of local food activity in the city. There’s going to be something for everyone: a public garden, space for educational events and community gatherings, a composting center, teaching kitchen, and a working farm that provides fresh local produce and fish for local restaurants and the community. We are also planning a market and café in the not too distant future.
The center will showcase eco-friendly recirculating farming techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics, as well as soil-based growing methods adapted to urban settings. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to put shovels in the ground and get this new center built.
Learn more about Growing Local NOLA here, and stay tuned – we expect to announce the official groundbreaking within a few weeks. We’re another step closer to more affordable, healthy food in New Orleans!