Hydro for Hunger was conceived and implemented in 2002 right here at Worm’s Way to assist the Institute of Simplified Hydroponics in its fight against world hunger. The ISH, founded by Peggy Bradley in 1995, is a 501-C (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping communities in developing countries become self-sufficient by teaching hydroponic food cultivation techniques. Hydro for Hunger raises awareness about food shortages and serves as the fund-raising arm for the hydroponics community by directing financial donations and in-kind contributions (supplies and services) to the Institute. 100 percent of all money raised by the Hydro for Hunger initiative goes directly to the ISH.

Thanks to our industry’s support, Hydro for Hunger has raised more than $215,000 since its inception! With corporate sponsors, distributors, manufacturers, retail stores and individuals making donations, projects are being established all over the world teaching people sustainable living by growing their own food locally. Hundreds of dedicated grassroots volunteers provide educational material and supplies and support mentoring programs for teaching simplified hydroponics.

This funding has enabled the training and education necessary to successfully implement productive hydroponic micro gardens in areas like Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Mali, Peru and Venezuela, to name a few. More recent endeavors include India’s Pet Bhuro project (pet bhuro means “full belly”), started in 2008, where training courses were set-up; five classes were held where 100 people were taught simplified hydroponics in a three-day course. 65 people received Master Training certificates.

One of the more far-reaching and impressive projects is underway in Jamaica where a course on sustainable living is being introduced into the curriculum of the Jamaican school system. The course will teach children how to grow their own food by establishing a demonstration garden in every school. Can you imagine what an impact such a course can have on the school children, and population, of an impoverished nation such as Jamaica? Astounding!

Contributions to the Hydro for Hunger initiative come from all areas of the gardening sector, including yearly donations from companies like Grodan, Homebox, CYCO and Bluelab, as well as individual gardeners and their kind out-of-pocket donations. All this adds up and helps make a difference!

In 2012, Worm’s Way stores will continue to step up to the plate by accepting donations for the Hydro for Hunger initiative from our customers. Donations are accepted online at the Hydro for Hunger website, as well as at each Worm's Way location. The program is off to a great start and we really appreciate all the great response we’ve received from the community.

World hunger, while posing a variety of challenges, is an issue that will require all of us working together to help remedy. To learn more, please visit www.hydroforhunger.org and www.carbon.org.