Vertical Harvest Farms

This month, our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) focus invites us to explore joyfulness as an act of wellness and justice. 💚 Joyfulness isn’t just about fleeting happiness—it’s a deep, lasting sense of contentment that comes from within. It's found in gratitude, connection, mindfulness, and doing meaningful work. When we cultivate joy, we uplift not only ourselves but our entire community. Our Emotional Wellness pillar this season reminds us: ✨ Awareness and acceptance of our emotions matter. ✨ Emotional health supports strong relationships and better stress management. ✨ When we care for our emotional well-being, we show up more fully—in life and at work. April is full of powerful awareness campaigns that connect directly to our mission of inclusion: 💙 Autism Acceptance Month 🌀 Stress Awareness Month 👐 Occupational Therapy Month 🚗 Distracted Driving Awareness Month 🧡 Sexual Violence Awareness Month Each observance reminds us that well-being, safety, and equity go hand-in-hand. Pictured here: The JEDI group had a great visit with friend of the fam, Jen Ten! #VerticalHarvest #BeWellDoWell #EmotionalWellness #JoyIsJustice #InclusionMatters #JEDIVH #UrbanFarmingWithPurpose #AutismAwareness #StressAwareness #SexualViolenceAwareness #WorkWithPurpose

🛑 These Cuts Hurt Our Community Last weekend, our very own Tim Mclaurin  (aka Jackson's Biggest Rockstar) and Amanda MacFarlane showed up and spoke out at the “Hands Off” rally in Jackson—advocating against proposed cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and Section 504 protections. These aren’t just policies—they’re lifelines. 💙 Medicaid means healthcare, job support, and independence 💸 Social Security helps cover basic needs like rent and food ⚖️ Section 504 protects the right to access, accommodations, and inclusion At Vertical Harvest, we don’t just work alongside people with disabilities—we want to work for the issues our community cares about. Cuts to these programs threaten not only individual livelihoods but also the progress we’ve made toward a more inclusive workforce and community. #HandsOff #DisabilityRightsAreHumanRights #InclusionMatters Verti#VerticalHarvest #AdvocacyInAction

Nona Yehia is taking our story to the People! And even better some of the "People in Power" who can help us create the future we want from the food we need! In the EU, Singapore and Canada there is significant governmental support of the CEA industry (similar to how the US government supports the commodity agricultural industry here) and it makes a world of difference in competitive advantage for this innovative, onshore, smart manufacturing approach to food. Thank you CEA Alliance for the US develop this important industry!

Overheard at the Farm 2 Institution Summit in Portland, ME... 🌱👂 More than 400 changemakers came together to envision a more equitable, resilient, and values-based food system—and the conversations were everything. 💬 “Hungry children can’t learn.” 💬 “So important to serve food that all children recognize.” – Khadija Ahmed, Good Shepherd Food Bank 💬 “You brought Spring here!” 💬 “My daughter calls microgreens ‘plant sprinkles’.” 💬 “How can lettuce be that spicy?!” 💬 “Keep doing what you’re doing! I love this!” 💬 “It’s all about education!” 💬 “Let’s go big!” – Craig Hickman, Maine State Senator, on food sovereignty in Maine 💬 “When 1 in 4 children go to bed hungry every night, we must do better.” 💬 “Right to food is the way life should be.” 🧠💥 Big ideas, bold action, and a shared belief that collaboration is essential—even when it’s hard. We’re proud to have been part of this momentum. Also: nothing like bumping into childhood friends doing great work! 🌳 Shout out to Richard from ReTreeUS, planting educational orchards across New England. And major love to The Good Crust, proving what inclusive employment looks—and tastes—like. 🍕 #VerticalHarvest #RightToFood #Farm2Institution #InclusiveEmployment #FoodEquity #LocalFoodSystems #MicrogreensAreMagic [Alternative text: Image 1: Vertical Harvest's Lindsay with Richard from ReTreeUs; Image 2: Vertical Harvest's display booth at Farm 2 Institution Summit; Image 3: Richard at ReTreeUs' display booth at Farm 2 Institution Summit; Image 4: The Good Crust's display booth at Farm 2 Institution Summit]

🌍🥦 World Health Day: Food as Medicine! 🥗💚 At Vertical Harvest, we believe that fresh, nutrient-rich food isn’t just fuel—it’s medicine. What we eat impacts our energy, mood, and overall well-being, and everyone deserves access to healthy, locally grown produce. On this World Health Day, let’s celebrate the power of food to nourish our bodies and communities! Our greens are packed with essential vitamins, grown sustainably, and harvested with care by an inclusive workforce. Because true health starts with what’s on our plates. 💬 Tell us—how does fresh, nutritious food help you feel your best? #WorldHealthDay #FoodAsMedicine #VerticalHarvest #HealthyEating #GrowWell

Our Jackson team had an incredible time visiting Hope at Little Chair Printing! 🎨✨ Hope warmly welcomed us into her studio, sharing her expertise and guiding our team through the magic of screen printing. With Hope’s support, our teammates printed their own t-shirts—featuring original designs by Johnny! Johnny is a prolific artist and a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. When asked if they could contribute art for the Patrice the Movie screening in Portland, they said, "OF COURSE!"—and within 15 minutes, a brand-new Johnny Fifles piece was ready to go! Their Love is Love Patrice design was such a hit that the Patrice team took notice, requested shirts for their crew, and now, Johnny’s shirts will be available for Patrice the Movie fans everywhere. It was such a fun, hands-on experience, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to learn and create together. Thank you, Hope, for your generosity, creativity, and for making art accessible to all! 💜 Check out Johnny's design - linked in bio! [Image Description: Caroline, Pete, Mycah, Nikki, and Hope smiling together inside Hope’s screen printing studio and shop.] #DisabilityArts #ScreenPrinting #VerticalHarvestFarms #LittleChairPrinting #CommunityArts #PortlandMaine #SupportArtists

🌎💙 Today is World Autism Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse experiences, strengths, and perspectives of the autistic community. At Vertical Harvest, inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation of how we grow together. Meet Johnny Fifles and Thibaud Sanchez, two of our incredible team members. For Johnny, Autism isn’t something to be "overcome"—it’s simply a part of who he is. He resonates with the words of advocate Kerry Magro: "Autism is not a curse; it's a different way of thinking and feeling." Reflecting on his own journey, Johnny shares: "I never gave autism very much thought, but I know that autism never was a disease and it never will be." Thibaud sees his identity as an autistic person as something to be embraced. His journey with Vertical Harvest has deepened his awareness of ableism and the barriers that still exist in society. As he puts it: "I accept autism as a unique part of me. Vertical Harvest opened my eyes about ableism." At Vertical Harvest, we celebrate neurodiversity every day by fostering a workplace where differences are strengths, inclusion is standard, and every individual has the opportunity to grow. 💙 Join us in recognizing the power of neurodivergent voices, advocating for accessibility, and creating a world that welcomes everyone as they are. #WorldAutismDay #AutismAcceptance #InclusionMatters #GrowTogether

🌱💚 Wrapping Up Farmworker Awareness Week 💚🌱 As Farmworker Awareness Week comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the dedicated farmworkers who keep our communities nourished every single day. Their hard work, resilience, and passion often go unseen, but their impact is felt in every meal we share. At Vertical Harvest, we honor these unsung heroes—not just this week, but every day. Let’s continue to support fair wages, safe working conditions, and a more sustainable food system for all. 💬 Drop a ❤️ in the comments to show your gratitude! #FarmworkerAwarenessWeek #ThankAFarmworker#GrowWithUs #VerticalHarvest

🌱 The Culinary Circle: Local Chefs Get a First Look at Vertical Harvest Maine! We were thrilled to welcome some of Maine’s most passionate chefs for an exclusive tour of our soon-to-open Vertical Harvest farm in Westbrook Maine! Led by our CEO, Nona Yehia, and Facilities Specialist, Chris Eckerson, these culinary leaders got an inside look at how we’re growing fresh, local, and sustainable greens year-round. 🌿 This is just the beginning! As part of The Culinary Circle, these chefs will be among the first to taste our greens, provide feedback, and help shape the future of Maine’s food landscape. With only 35% of Maine’s fresh produce demand met by in-state sources, we’re working to strengthen local food systems—with year-round, nutrient-dense greens. We can’t wait to see Vertical Harvest produce making its way onto menus across Maine!🍴💚 #VerticalHarvestMaine #FarmToTable #LocalChefs #SustainableFood #InclusiveEmployment #MaineEats

We had an absolute blast connecting with teachers, students, and community organizations at the Portland High STEM Expo last week! 🚀💡 Huge thanks for having us—we loved sharing our passion for sustainable farming and local food. Can’t wait to grow more connections! 🌱✨ Can’t wait to join our next one at Deering High this Friday! #VerticalHarvestFarms #StemEducation #HydroponicFarming #Maine