21 Plus, Inc. unveils Main Street Greens, a self-contained hydroponic farm designed to benefit individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

MANCHESTER, NJ – 21 Plus, Inc. unveils its new social enterprise Main Street Greens, a sustainable hydroponic farm that is maintained, harvested and sold by the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Main Street Greens’ first crops of basil, thyme, rosemary, lettuce, kale and spicy mustard greens will be available for sale this spring.

Main Street Greens will produce healthy, local and sustainable produce every month and sell it to local restaurants and the Toms River Farmers Market. Main Street Greens will also donate produce to local nonprofit partners to help support hunger insecurities. In all its endeavors, Main Street Greens will fulfill 21 Plus’ mission of inclusivity, where everyone is welcome to participate, contribute and be valued.

This year-round harvest of fresh produce includes:

• Lettuce
• Arugula
• Kale
• Sage
• Basil
• Bok choy
• Swiss chard
• Sorrel
• Thyme
• Cilantro
• Mint
• Escarole
• Frisée
• Spicy mustard greens
• Rosemary
• Watercress

“At Main Street Greens, we take great pride in maintaining the quality of our products,” said Diane Hutton-Rose, Executive Director of 21 Plus, Inc. “We hope you will join us in our mission of providing environmentally conscious and locally sound products while supporting a unique part of our community.”

Hydroponic farming is a sustainable form of farming that will self-perpetuate each month with a new harvest and is not subject to seasonal growing. A hydroponic farm benefits ecology and addresses issues of food insecurity that have been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.

“Hydroponic farming uses 90 percent less water than traditional farming,” said Hutton-Rose. “This method also offers year-round food production that is herbicide and pesticide free and uses a quarter of the amount of fertilizer compared to conventional crops. Hydroponic farming also takes up a tenth of the space.”

The mission of 21 Plus is to enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives working in partnership with families and communities. The jobs performed for Main Street Greens will teach these individuals important life and business lessons. The tasks demonstrate responsibility, communication skills, organizational skills and a deeper knowledge of nutrition.

The Main Street Greens social enterprise is created in collaboration with Cody Parker, Owner of Drop The Beet Farms, and sponsored in part by 21 Plus Foundation, Inc. and M&T Charitable Foundation. To learn more about Main Street Greens, visit MainStreetGreens.org.

About 21 Plus.
21 Plus, Inc., located at 1900 Route 70, Suite 12, Manchester, NJ, is a nonprofit organization that provides diversified opportunities to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. To learn more, visit 21plus.org, call 732-240-3118 or email info@21Plus.org.