Aquaponics and the Homeless

[GaryD]

Hi,

Over the past several years, I've read about a variety of aquaponics endeavours (like this one) that have sought to provide aquaponically-grown food to homeless people.

With the short growing cycles involved, it seems like a no-brainer....in terms of food production.

With some more integrations (a la Microponics), it has even greater potential.......particularly if restaurant wastes could be factored into the equation.

What do you think?

Gary

[DaveOponic]

Sounds like a good initiative. Is there anything like this in Australia with AP Gary? I know there are some community AP setups that are publicly funded.

[GaryD]

Hi Dave,

I'm not aware of any......I'll have a hunt around and see what I find.

Gary

[JohnMc]

I applaud the idea. But if I am restricting to US environs I get a bit concerned seeing nonprofits taking on profit related activities in direct competition of for-profit enterprises. AU law may have solutions for this of which I am not aware.

[GaryD]

Hi Dave,

I can't see any obvious attempts to integrate aquaponics and homeless shelters in Australia.

One, belonging to Sahib Punjabi, shares the produce with homeless people....but, contrary to the suggestion on TreeHugger, he's based in Florida (I believe).

JohnMc.....I don't think there's much money to be made out of homeless people - so I doubt there'd be any conflict between not-for-profit associations and regular businesses.

Homelessness seems to be more about dispossession from family, friends and society than being without a house as such. It occurs to me that if someone had the resources to set up an aquaponics (or microponics) operation, it would not only put food on the table but also provide skilling opportunities and companionship.

Gary

[ande]

JohnMc.....I don't think there's much money to be made out of homeless people - so I doubt there'd be any conflict between not-for-profit associations and regular businesses.
Gary

In the US it might be ? seems private/regular businesses, are making money at all/any thing/level over there.
Also it seems? there is a lot more "not-for-profit" (that are more of a "tax-shelter" like operation and/or publicly funded (tax money)) That in fact is in conflict or loose out on business to some private "not-for-profit" ass.

I think the US is a lot less transparent on most matters, and run by a relative small elite, compared to most off the rest off the "democratic" or western world.

So JohnMc have a valid point, given he is located in the US IMO

Homelessness seems to be more about dispossession from family, friends and society than being without a house as such. It occurs to me that if someone had the resources to set up an aquaponics (or microponics) operation, it would not only put food on the table but also provide skilling opportunities and companionship.

Gary

Same goes for North western Europe and particulare Scandinavia (I asume you'r refering to AU ?)

Not the same kind of powerty or scale of such, and it is a public service beyond belife as compared to the US

This Quote :
In 1999 they encountered a startling new reality of homelessness as a nine year old homeless girl with her baby sister and their mother bedded down for the night on a floor of an emergency shelter. As dozens more families came to the shelter, the Megison’s realized that they were confronted with an enormous problem. Not just because there were many families in crisis needing help, but because the entire homeless response system was woefully inadequate to deal with the needs of homeless families. Big solutions were in order and so with the help of other community leaders and entrepreneurs, they struck out with their plans.

Quote end.
Is cut/paste from the home page "About us" in the AP operation you linked to in the opening post.

Over the past several years, I've read about a variety of aquaponics endeavours (like this one) that have sought to provide aquaponically-grown food to homeless people.
Gary

We have "green care" a lot of "old farms" are basing part of the income on taking in "drop-outs" or people that for any reason are at drift or dosen't "fit in".
AP would/could be a part of such operation here, but as therapy (good such), and not for the food (fish/produce) part of it.
Animal husbandry duties, is a werry good way, to train social skills, and the feeling of value/selferespect gained by participants is also good (often).

cheers

[JohnMc]

JohnMc.....I don't think there's much money to be made out of homeless people - so I doubt there'd be any conflict between not-for-profit associations and regular businesses.

Gary I wish that was true, for my country's sake. But alas there is a great deal of money to be made with homeless people. Politicians, non profits, and lawyers are making careers out of the victimhood of homelessness. Sigh....

But regardless of that, teaching AP as a practical step in a feeling of empowerment to self reliance is a good thing always. Knowing that an individual can provide for one's self in any measure is a means removing the shackles of dependency and lifts the human spirit.

[Earthan Group]

Hi John,

But regardless of that, teaching AP as a practical step in a feeling of empowerment to self reliance is a good thing always. Knowing that an individual can provide for one's self in any measure is a means removing the shackles of dependency and lifts the human spirit.

Teach a man to fish or is it teach a man to grow fish?... I think this is a very honorable task John. Do you find people on struggle street require motivation to undertake a task like growing food or does the actual task of growing their own food and becoming a little more self reliant become the motivator in itself?

Regards
Paul

[JohnMc]

Paul,

Could be a little bit of both I think. Systems (political, economic) seem to beat people down especially when they are most vulnerable. Sometimes the simplest acts -- growing tomatoes in a window shelf -- can right one's mental orientation. How you perceive things is the first step in realizing what you need to do next.

[Earthan Group]

Paul,

Could be a little bit of both I think. Systems (political, economic) seem to beat people down especially when they are most vulnerable. Sometimes the simplest acts -- growing tomatoes in a window shelf -- can right one's mental orientation. How you perceive things is the first step in realizing what you need to do next.

From the research done on one of our gardens in aged care and other research around the world, that connection with growing ones own food (and eating it) engages and can stimulate mental "repairs" if you like and restore dignity and confidence.

Whether feeding the poor or enabling the disavantaged, getting back to ones roots (excuse the pun) appears to be a good thing. I will be interested to hear more about your progress in that area.

Regards
Paul