Greens Do Good

This interview details Greens Do Good, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Jennifer Faust, Operations Director of Greens Do Good.

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What is the origin story of Greens Do Good?

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Greens Do Good is part of REED Autism Services, a family of 501c3 programs that serve individuals with autism throughout their lifetime. In 2019, we conceptualized an indoor vertical farm that could provide year-round training and employment to teens and young adults with autism, preparing them for careers in sustainable agriculture and related fields.

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Taking into account the very high percentage of adults with autism who are unemployed – approaching 85% - the primary goal of this project is to prepare young people with autism to contribute to the economic development of their communities while earning a wage that helps them support themselves in an interesting field that promotes ecological sustainability.

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In 2021, we launched an internship program for older teens with autism studying in transition programs in northern NJ. We grow nearly 30 varieties of microgreens, arugula, basil, butterhead lettuce, kale, and spring mix sold to regional grocers, small local markets, restaurants, country clubs, and directly to consumers.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing Greens Do Good in the future? 

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We have a relatively small footprint and are limited in the number of employees we can hire.  We are constantly looking for like-minded agricultural organizations to hire some of our highly trained and talented interns.

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What is unique about Greens Do Good compared to competitors? 

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Our mission is to promote neurodiversity in the workplace by providing meaningful job training and employment for teens and adults with autism. Greens Do Good addresses critical needs for work-based learning, readiness, and social communications through Controlled Environment Agriculture. GDG is an approved provider of work-based learning experiences as part of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These services are designed to be an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities necessary for movement from school to post-school activities that will maximize their potential to enter competitive integrated employment.

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At Greens Do Good we focus on produce, purpose, people, and play. Individuals from all across the spectrum are involved from high support needs to working independently, on the farm floor, everybody's equal. There's a job for everyone. 

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But perhaps even more important, Greens Do Good provides produce to many area food banks- empowering autistic adults to work towards solving food insecurity.

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What is the current size of your growing area? 

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3,300 square feet - plans for expansion in upcycled shipping containers

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Do you use CO2 in your operation today -- if so, how much and what do you pay for it? What are your thoughts in CO2 usage in indoor farms? 

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We do not use CO2 in our warehouse location but will be employing CO2 in our expansion in grow pods.

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Energy is a big topic in indoor farming right now. How much do you pay for electricity (kWh)? Is it mainly from the grid or renewables?

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Our current farm’s utilities are relatively high but we have a more sustainable plan for our expansion project.

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How can people connect with you or learn more about Greens Do Good?

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Either www.greensdogood.com or jfaust@reedfoundationforautism.org

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