JACKSON, Wyo. — Vertical Harvest is a team of changemakers, making our community stronger and more sustainable. With the community’s help, Vertical Harvest was founded five years ago to provide locally grown food and local jobs. A key part of the mission was to provide a career path for people who deserved a chance to share their abilities with the community.
Vertical Harvest’s greenhouse in downtown Jackson grows 10 acres of food on 1/10th of an acre, uses 90% less water than traditional agriculture and reduces the distance food travels into our valley.
They deliver fresh, nutritious produce for the Jackson community from farm to fork in 24 hours, at the peak of taste and nutrition. They created a place where 20 people with disabilities have found careers in the fastest growing industry in agriculture — vertical farming.
And they did all of this with your support of the partnership between Vertical Harvest and local nonprofit, Cultivate Ability.
“Our work together is not done. I have been honored to work with the most amazing team of changemakers,” said Nona Yehia, Vertical Harvest CEO and Co-Founder.
“You have met them through our Cultivate Connection Old Bill’s Campaign. You connect with them at the Farmer’s Markets, on delivery routes and every time you eat our tomatoes, microgreens and lettuces. They are the ones making the changes we need.”
Vertical Harvest farmers are making people healthier by growing food locally 365 days a year. They are making Jackson a more innovative town by utilizing cutting-edge technologies that preserve water and land. And they are building a stronger community by sharing their abilities with all.
For the past six months, as we have all had to make significant life adjustments, the team at Vertical Harvest has worked day-in and day-out to ensure that the community has a locally-grown, year-round source of food.
They adjusted their work and grow models, created a curbside and delivery program and made regular donations to St. John’s Hospital workers and Hole Food Rescue.
They have modeled persistence and resilience through these challenging times. And being the changemakers that they are, the team has acclimated to new norms and changed the way that we look at disability.
Now, you can help them continue this important work.
Your continued support of Vertical Harvest’s Training and Education Fund with Cultivate Ability makes all of this possible. Donations made to Cultivate Ability through this year’s Old Bill’s Fun Run will directly impact and support Vertical Harvest’s education and training programs.
“We count on this fundraiser to help support our training and education in our inclusive employment model, the Grow Well Model,” said Caroline Estay, Vertical Harvest Co-Founder and Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
“This innovative and integrated employment model helps us enhance and enrich employees’ professional development, personal growth and impact in their community.”
Of course, the Vertical Harvest team of changemakers will miss running and walking with everyone in person this year, as coming together with the community is so important to them. But they have created a few opportunities for you to virtually meet and talk directly with this incredible group of people.
This is your chance to be a changemaker — by connecting with a local company filled with them:
Old Bill’s Boost Event Kickoff – Connect with our Changemakers
September 9, noon-1 p.m.
Live Vertical Harvest Boost Event via Zoom
Each week the team at Vertical Harvest gathers together for their “Boost Event” to connect with each other and talk about monthly themes…and now you can join in! Meet the employees, listen to their discussion about how they make change in the community, and learn what this month’s subject, Empowerment, means to them. Join via Zoom to participate and submit questions.
Old Bill’s Race Day Reimagined
September 12, 3-4 p.m.
Happiest Hour at the VH Greenhouse
Drive by to honk and wave, or stop by for a socially-distanced visit with masks or go to @verticalharvestfarms on social media.
Meet Our Changemakers! — Old Bill’s Fun Run Online Event
September 16, 6-7 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85444244957
This special virtual event will be hosted by Vertical Harvest co-founders and innovative leaders, Nona Yehia and Caroline Estay. Meet the Vertical Harvest team that brings fresh produce and inspiration to the Jackson community every day! Employees’ talents, abilities and ways that they are changemakers will be highlighted in a VH film. Hear the stories, feel the passion, and connect with VH changemakers!
