Expanding Our Roots in the Community
JFS is growing with the purchase of Altius Farms! In August, the organization officially added JFS Altius Farms to our family, and we’re excited to share a bit more about Altius and why we believe in the purchase.
Outdoor gardens at JFS Altius Farms
Altius Farms, located in the Five Points neighborhood in Denver, launched its rooftop greenhouse in 2018, growing high-quality, local, pesticide-free leafy greens year-round. The 7,300 sq. ft. flagship rooftop greenhouse houses 355 Tower Gardens™. More than 42,000 plants and seedlings grow concurrently, yielding over 31,000 pounds of fresh produce yearly. This iconic farm also creates an opportunity for agrotourism. The 8,000 sq. ft. outdoor soil farm grows root vegetables, vine crops, and flowers during summer and fall. The outdoor raised garden space is designed for farm-to-table dinners, community gatherings, and educational programs.
With Altius Farms, JFS purchased a well-established business that aligns with our mission and has a social impact throughout our communities. JFS Altius Farms will:
Tower Gardens at JFS Altius Farms
Train and employ JFS clients and veterans interested in direct aeroponic and traditional farming, including clients with barriers to employment, such as those with disabilities or newly resettled refugees. (Over the years, Altius Farms has built a core commitment to engage and train military veterans and actively seeks veterans as part of the team working with Veterans to Farmers to provide hands-on training.)
Expand growing opportunities and produce production by purchasing two aeroponic mushroom farm containers, which will yield approximately 30,000 pounds of mushrooms annually, beginning in FY25.
Create a platform to expand the impact we have on food insecurity.
Diversify our funding sources and offset some program deficits.
Offer volunteer opportunities and a community event space.
JFS Altius Farms will continue to provide premium produce to restaurants, grocers, and consumers through their CSA farm share programs, and the current Altius Farms staff will remain with the newly formed social enterprise. We are excited to use Altius Farm’s experience, expertise, and resources to support our mission and programs, so food is an even larger part of our brand.
JFS Altius Farms is a wholly owned subsidiary LLC of Jewish Family Service of Colorado, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Learn more about JFS Altius Farms.
Thank you to Diane Cushman Neal and Scott Neal for their early investment in JFS Altius Farms.