Would hydro/aquaponic growing systems be good to have a locations at VAMC's nationwide?

PFC James (LURCH) Janota — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:08:49 -0400

I was talking to a groups of veterans and was tossing around the idea of having a type of garden that May help facilitate PTSD relief. This could potentially supplement food usage in the VAMC kitchens nationwide. This way the VA would get relief in the supply aspect. If the Veterans started eating healthier the VA would get relieved from prescription medications as much. We could even possibly turn it into a farmers market so the homeless Vet's have an avenue to make some money. There are so many benefits to this. What do you all think?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 10 at 2019 1:37 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:37:10 -0400

Seems reasonable to me, which is the death knell for any such proposal

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 10 at 2019 1:50 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:50:15 -0400

Sounds like a great idea.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 10 at 2019 2:11 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 14:11:05 -0400

That's an interesting proposal PFC James (LURCH) Janota. I like it! If proven practical, this could be a "win, win" for everyone.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2019 2:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 14:11:43 -0400

Great idea and goals.
Local communities that have space set aside for community gardening may be an option.
Cost and availability of space would be two of many factors that would likely make it unfeasible on a VAMC campus.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Jul 10 at 2019 2:16 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 14:16:53 -0400

I recall many years ago, that an asylum I frequently drove past had a good-size farm on the grounds. As you indicated, it supplied fresh food for the patients, and was also good therapy for many of the inmates.
The farm was abandoned, and the reason I heard (true or false) was that the local farmers wanted to sell their crops to that institution, and complained that "inmate labor" was employed against the sale of their crops. That's something to consider in setting up such a program. It can be a good idea, but disruption of the status quo will make enemies.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 10 at 2019 7:59 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 19:59:21 -0400

It's a clever concept, certainly...I mean, God only knows if it'd ever even get out of some Congressional or VA mgmt committee, though I can certainly perceive your rationale, at the very least...I mean, it wouldn't be for me, I score a big fat zero in the green-thumb department, however, I could certainly perceive it being rather therapeutic for many others, by all means....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2019 9:20 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 21:20:07 -0400

Not specifically what your idea is, but I just received this in an email from VA:
Veterans have opportunity to grow with USDA
Few pairings more closely align than Veterans and farming. The skill sets developed in military service match many of the characteristics of a successful agricultural professional.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture knows what Veterans bring to the table and is committed to assisting Veterans across the country to keep America’s food supply safe and secure.

Response by Sgt Cheryl Jacobs made Jul 10 at 2019 10:30 PM

Sgt Cheryl Jacobs — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 22:30:19 -0400

It’s a good idea but unfortunately as I’ve been told, the VA cannot use food grown on campus. It has to be purchased through a vendor. Some VA centers have Horticultural Therapy programs or Veteran Gardens off campus though, look into that.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jul 10 at 2019 11:54 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 23:54:31 -0400

Ain't gonna happen as vendors are huge$$$....plus a large percentage of homeless vets are out of the military prison systems or addicts...#1 goal ...they wanna get high with everything free.

Response by MSgt Bruce Stansel made Jul 11 at 2019 3:06 AM

MSgt Bruce Stansel — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 03:06:44 -0400

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/61200/usda-vets-farming-agriculture/

Veterans have opportunity to grow with USDA and farming resources - VAntage Point

USDA commits to helping Veterans start or grow a career in farming and agriculture and maximize the potential talent Veteran population.