Los Angeles Mission’s Sky Farm

Green space, park access, and trees

City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit) Other

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

There is a need for more green spaces and healthy food options in Downtown LA, particularly in Skid Row, due to its significant population of homeless and low-income individuals. Many residents struggle with limited access to fresh, affordable food, contributing to health disparities. Our project supports the California State Economic Blueprint for promoting jobs in sustainable middle-skill job sectors and enhances local food equity and resiliency.
Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil. Many types of produce can be grown hydroponically, which is less expensive than traditional farming methods, and produces healthier plants in a reduced carbon foot print.
In addition, the Mission plans to sell surplus produce to restaurants in Downtown LA— or rent tower space to the community. One project aims to create jobs and up-skilling opportunities for residents in the community, helping them gain skills and become self-sufficient.

The project is at Los Angeles Mission and is called Sky Farm, this farm will restore hope by helping people experiencing homelessness to learn marketable skills, discover the power of teamwork, and see that they are capable of succeeding in life. All the while providing abundant sustainable, organic, nutritious food for people who are hungry. The men and women who cultivate the crops are participants in the Mission’s LifeStart program. These skills and attitudes will help them rebuild lives broken by addictions, missed opportunities and bad choices.
Produce grown includes: onions, tomatoes, kale, nutritious butterhead lettuce, eggplant and a variety of flavorful and nutritious herbs. The whole roof is a colorful tapestry of vitamin-rich vegetables of various shapes and colors.
Through partnerships with nearby colleges and businesses, the students will have the potential to continue this education and career once they graduate. Some may supply fresh vegetables and other products to area restaurants. Others may teach others about proper preparation and nutrition. Or start their own gardens. Opportunities are virtually endless.
Income raised in this way will go to help support other vital Mission programs like drug and alcohol counseling; safe and secure shelter; job training programs; help and housing for women who have suffered from physical, emotional and sexual abuse; and much more.

Produce grown in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles to market. Fuel used for transportation pumps thousands of tons of pollutants into America’s skies. Meanwhile, food grown at Los Angeles Mission’s Sky Farm travels a short distance to our dining room or to nearby restaurants. Crops grown at Sky Farm are nourished by a never-ending source of clean, fresh water – more than enough to cultivate a variety of vegetables as they develop from seedlings to healthy, ripe vegetables, ready for the dining table. Nutritious, satisfying food has always been an important component of the help Los Angeles Mission provides to the people of Skid Row.