Leafy Greens Hydroponics image by Ryan Somma
For as much time as I spend thinking about the issues surrounding the autism spectrum, I focus almost as much on food and the environment. This week, I came across a product that blew me away – produce from a company called Finger Lakes Fresh, which is owned by Challenge Industries. Finger Lakes Fresh uses hydroponics to grow produce, like arugula, basil, and other greens, in nutrient-rich fluid instead of soil. Their prices are reasonable, and the produce is delicious, but that’s not what struck me about this company.
Challenge Industries’ basic mission is to employ individuals “with disabilities and other employment barriers.” So by supporting these companies, you also directly support Challenge’s efforts to show disabled adults that they are valued members of society.
I would encourage anyone who has a child with special needs and is concerned about eating quality food, to reinforce Challenge’s work. Your child will one day enter the work force. Send the powerful message, by way of where you choose to spend your dollars, that individuals with disabilities deserve to be allowed to contribute to society like anyone else.
*image from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons Attibution License.
** This post does not contain any affiliate links.
