The Innovation Container is an off-grid, controlled environment classroom within a modified shipping container. The Innovation Container incorporates mushroom cultivation, an aquaponics system from the University of Maryland, and hydroponic systems including a tower garden.

Increasing the use of sustainable controlled environmental agriculture in Maryland is crucial for several reasons. 

The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the fragility of our food system, which is vulnerable to labor and transportation shortages. By producing food locally, we can reduce our environmental footprint and ensure community food security. Additionally, as global temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more unpredictable, controlled environmental agriculture offers a safer and more reliable alternative for workers and farmers.

Land access presents a significant challenge for many beginning and urban farmers, who often resort to land leases and plots lacking utility access. The Innovation Container will address this issue by providing a sustainable solution that can be replicated on other farms. It will also inspire children to learn S.T.E.A.M. topics through the lens of agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The DMV region, including Prince George’s County, is experiencing prolonged periods of record-breaking heat and drought. In this county, which has 20 food deserts, 14% food insecurity, and an 8-year life expectancy gap compared to Montgomery County, addressing health concerns is vital to community resiliency.

The Gift Legacy Foundation has partnered with The Garden International to foster community education, wellness, healthy food equity, and environmental initiatives at the Garden’s Mushroom Learning Center in Clinton, MD. The Center is an educational campus and farm that grows gourmet and functional mushrooms using controlled environmental agriculture, and a food forest using regenerative soil practices. This partnership will leverage the Innovation Container to further these goals and create a resilient, sustainable food system for the community.