There’s something magical about watching an idea take root and grow—especially when it’s not just plants sprouting, but community connections too. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Just Vertical & Seneca Greenwall Project, and we at ESS Support Services are thrilled to be part of it.
What’s the Greenwall Project All About?
For years, Just Vertical and Seneca College have collaborated to explore the future of indoor growing. Together, they have undertaken innovative projects that push the boundaries of what sustainable, indoor agriculture can achieve.
The primary focus of the work has been comparing the growth and nutrition of plants grown in Just Vertical gardens with those found in stores. The results have been inspiring—our gardens consistently produce fresher, more nutrient-rich food. This research not only demonstrates the value of our systems but also enhances our understanding of how they can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This is where the opportunity arises for organizations like ESS Support Services to be involved in this project.
Why This Project Matters
Beyond the harvest, the Greenwall Project is about inspiring people—students, researchers, and the community—to see what’s possible when we rethink the way we grow our food. It’s about bringing sustainability into everyday life, creating local food sources, and making learning hands-on.
ESS Support Services: Proud to Play a Part
For us at ESS Support Services, being invited to join this project is more than an honour—it’s a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with people who are actively shaping a better future. We’re grateful to Just Vertical for their cutting-edge vision and to Seneca College for turning learning into real-world action. Your work is not just growing plants; it’s growing hope, knowledge, and possibilities for this and future generations. The Vertical plants are grown at our overnight respite centre at 30 Rosemount Avenue.
Greenwall is a result of our participation in the multi-year, cross-Canada research project with Seneca College (the lead researcher), Just Vertical (suppliers of the GreenWall technology and training), and several community-based organizations (ex, local schools, LTC, etc.).
This research project aims to explore the potential of vertical farming in addressing critical national challenges: food insecurity and mental wellness. This research is being funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada through their College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant program. CCSIF grants are awarded to projects that “foster community innovation by connecting the talent, facilities and capabilities of Canada’s colleges and polytechnics with the research needs of community organizations.” We are pleased to be a recipient of this grant and to partner with you on this work.
Project Overview:
- Title: Vertical Gardening: Growing local food security and community connection
- Purpose: To examine the impact of hydroponic grow walls in community settings.
- Scope: Our study will focus on both urban and northern communities within Canada.
- Methodology: A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys and interviews.
- Key Objectives:
- Assess the contribution of these walls to food security.
- Discover the community and mental health benefits of indoor gardening.
- Identify barriers hindering the adoption of hydroponic grow walls.
Expected Outcomes:
- Insights: A comprehensive understanding of the role of hydroponic grow walls in enhancing food security and mental health.
- Actionable Plan: A practical playbook for implementing and sustaining indoor gardening projects.
- Community Empowerment: By disseminating knowledge and engaging with policymakers, we aim to empower communities to collectively address these pressing issues.
From everyone at ESS, thank you for letting us be part of this journey. We can’t wait to see what sprouts next—because if the past is anything to go by, the future is going to be vibrant, green, and thriving!!!💚
This partnership aligns with one of our key strategic priorities: Preparing for Change. By collaborating with other innovators and co-creating integrated models, we aim to meet the needs of our communities, including those related to sustainability, and contribute to future research.
Picture on the right: Take a look at the growth in just 4 months (from April to August)