Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and the University of Nevada, Reno’s High Desert Farming Initiative (DFI) are breaking ground this month on a new 2,600-square-foot hoop house that will grow vegetables to feed the hungry.
The hoop house will be built at the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station’s Main Station Field Lab on McCarran Boulevard — the first hoop house at that location.
“We are so excited to partner with Catholic Charities to build this hoop house and increase our opportunities for year-round production of fresh fruits and vegetables to the local community,” said Jennifer Ott, DFI’s director.
DFI has been donating its extra produce to St. Vincent’s Food Pantry and St. Vincent’s Dining Room since 2013.
“Having every day access to fresh, locally grown food is something we want to be able to provide to all of our clients from young to old,” said Peter Vogel, CEO of Catholic Charities. “We can use this food in the St. Vincent’s Dining Room, St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, in our early learning facility and in our senior centers. This is another alternative to canned goods. It’s healthier and it’s local. We are thrilled.”
The first crop is expected to be planted in February or March.
