The Warehouse gets an Ag Pod

What’s an Ag Pod?

That’s short for agricultural pod, a sustainable, indoor, vertical growing environment for produce — built within a shipping container — that allows communities to grow food year round, including kale, radishes and a variety of lettuces. And The Warehouse in Wilmington just got one, thanks to a partnership with Delmarva Power and a new initiative called Energize The Warehouse, a collaboration that aims to make the nonprofit a place for youth to learn about clean energy, electric transportation, sustainable farming and agriculture.

The Ag Pod, which was build with the support of the Electric Power Research Institute, will be managed and operated by teens from The Warehouse and supported by Second Chances Farm, an indoor hydroponic farm employing formerly incarcerated community members, also located in the Riverside area of Wilmington. Produce grown in the Warehouse Ag Pod will be donated, sold at local farmers markets and used in cooking demonstrations.

“Our teens will be excited to experience hands on learning in industries they typically may not have had the opportunity to explore for career options,” said Melody Phillips, director of operations for The Warehouse in a statement. “The Ag Pod is just the beginning to unique pathways brought directly to them for full exposure and exploration.”

Upcoming Energize The Warehouse projects include an all-electric, zero emissions bus that will replace the Warehouse’s diesel school bus used to transport community members to and from The Warehouse, Kingswood Community Center and REACH Riverside. The installation of solar panels and a battery storage system is also planned.

“We are committed to working with our community partners to take on shared challenges and opportunities related to climate change, economic development, and improved quality of life,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. “Energize The Warehouse shows how we can work side-by-side with our community partners to use new technology as both a solution to the challenges our local communities face and as an educational opportunity to help local students start on a path to becoming the next generation of energy leaders.”