July 18, 2018
The Growing Experience and Boeing Partner for the
6th Annual Volunteer Day
For the sixth year in a row, a team of motivated Boeing employees arrived at The Growing Experience (TGE) Urban Farm located at the Community Development Commission/Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles’ (CDC/HACoLA) Carmelitos Public Housing Development in North Long Beach, to lend a helping hand. Employees and their families dedicated the day to providing much-needed assistance with a wide array of projects on the farm.
Working alongside staff from TGE, volunteers of all ages contributed to the upkeep of the community food forest, Carmelitos Senior Rose Garden, and the fruit tree orchard. Being mindful of the farm’s sustainable operating methods, all projects for the day focused on environmental sustainability, expanding the local food system, and the alternatives to conventional farming.
Boeing and its employees recognize TGE as a community resource that provides services which support its goals of community education, and environmental sustainability. In addition to the volunteer service day, Boeing has supported TGE since 2012 with a grant to operate programs at the urban farm, community garden, and events for the general public, as well as charitable giving through the Employees Community Fund of Boeing California.
TGE, an award-winning seven-acre urban farm, has developed into a resource center for environmental sustainability and a source of healthy food for the 700 public housing with limited means living in Carmelitos, and the greater Long Beach community. Available programs and services at TGE include a community-supported agriculture program, weekly farm stand, utilization of a vertical tower aquaponics growing system, community garden, programs underserved youth, educational community events, and sustainability features.