Nathan's Urban Farm: Growing Community and Honoring a Legacy

Nathan’s Urban Farm, located at The Grove in the Western Fair District, is a beacon of innovation and community support in London, Ontario. Started by Mona Lam-Deslippe and her husband Tim to honor their son, Nathan, the urban farm uses state-of-the-art hydroponic systems to grow vegetables indoors without soil.

Originally, Mona set up these glowing towers inside her downtown condo, creating a spectacle that initially raised some eyebrows among the neighbors. With each device costing around $1,400, the investment was significant but entirely worthwhile for the couple.

The farm grows a variety of produce, including lettuce, arugula, edible flowers, and other leafy greens. All these fresh goodies are distributed to local agencies like the London Food Bank, Youth Opportunities Unlimited, and Anova. The operation is pesticide-free and uses much less water than traditional farming methods, making it a year-round sustainable endeavor.

Managed by Hutton House, a charity supporting people with disabilities, Nathan’s Urban Farm is more than just a place to grow food; it's a training ground for agriculture skills and a space for horticultural therapy. According to Joe Gansevles, Hutton House’s coordinator of urban agriculture and environmental sustainability, the farm is also a solution for food insecurity, distributing its produce by bicycle within the community.

Nathan’s Urban Farm is a project funded by the London Community Foundation and Medavie Health Foundation and meticulously operated to keep Nathan's spirit and message alive. The farm hosts community events and continues to raise money to sustain and expand its impact.

The idea is to create a lasting legacy that could be replicated in other communities, contributing to food security and social cohesion through urban farming skills and initiatives. As Mona Lam-Deslippe put it, Nathan’s Urban Farm is about building something that endures, offering continuous service to the community rather than being a one-time event.

This blend of innovation and community service marks Nathan’s Urban Farm as a unique and valuable asset to London, ON, showcasing how modern urban farming can connect people, foster skills, and create lasting change.