We Grow Aces

Growing a smarter, more sustainable future for food.

We Grow Aces is an innovative initiative at the University of Evansville focused on transforming how food is produced, distributed, and experienced. By combining controlled-environment agriculture with strategy, research, and community engagement, the project creates a scalable model for local, sustainable food production.

About We Grow Aces

We Grow Aces is a forward-thinking initiative designed to address real-world challenges through sustainable agriculture. Built around a container-based growing system, the program produces fresh, high-quality food in a controlled environment without soil, while significantly reducing water usage and environmental impact. The project integrates business strategy, scientific innovation, and operational execution to create a model that is both practical and scalable. More than just a growing system, We Grow Aces serves as a platform for education, collaboration, and long-term community impact.

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Mission

We Grow Aces is committed to building a sustainable, innovative, and locally driven food system that directly addresses food insecurity, health, and access to nutritious food within the community. Our mission extends beyond growing produce. It focuses on creating a reliable and scalable system that brings fresh, high-quality food closer to the people who need it most.

Food insecurity is a critical issue that affects access not only to food, but to healthy and nutritious options. Many individuals and communities face barriers related to affordability, availability, and quality. We Grow Aces responds to this challenge by producing food locally within a controlled system, reducing reliance on external supply chains and increasing access to fresh produce for campus and community partners. Health is a central part of this mission. Access to fresh vegetables and nutrient-rich foods plays a key role in improving overall well-being, supporting better dietary habits, and reducing long-term health risks. By growing clean, pesticide-free produce, We Grow Aces contributes to a healthier food environment while promoting awareness around nutrition and sustainable consumption. At the same time, the initiative serves as an experiential learning platform. Students gain hands-on experience in sustainability, business, and operations, preparing them to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. The mission ultimately brings together sustainability, health, education, and community impact into one integrated system designed for long-term change.

How It Works

The We Grow Aces system operates within a controlled container environment where plants grow in specialized pods using a nutrient-rich solution instead of soil. This method allows for precise control over growing conditions, including light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient delivery.

The process begins with seed placement, followed by a monitored growth cycle supported by efficient resource use and consistent environmental conditions. As plants develop, they are continuously managed to ensure quality, uniformity, and readiness for harvest. This controlled system enables year-round production regardless of external weather conditions, creating a stable and reliable source of fresh produce.

Why It Matters

We Grow Aces is designed to create meaningful impact across multiple areas. The system uses significantly less water and fewer resources compared to traditional agriculture while eliminating the need for long-distance transportation. This reduces environmental impact and supports a more sustainable approach to food production.

At the same time, the project strengthens local food systems by producing fresh food directly within the community. It increases access to healthier options, supports partnerships with organizations and businesses, and contributes to a more resilient and efficient supply chain. Beyond environmental and economic benefits, it also creates opportunities for education, innovation, and student development.

What We Grow

We Grow Aces focuses on producing high-quality, fast-growing crops that are well-suited for controlled environments. These include a variety of lettuces, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other produce selected based on efficiency, demand, and adaptability.

This diverse crop selection allows the project to support multiple use cases, including campus dining, community distribution, and potential partnerships with local businesses. By diversifying production, the system reduces risk while increasing flexibility and impact.

Community Partnerships

A key part of We Grow Aces is building strong partnerships with campus and local organizations. These partnerships create pathways for distribution, ensuring that the produce grown is used efficiently and reaches the right audiences. The initiative works to collaborate with dining services, community programs, and local businesses to maximize impact. These relationships also provide opportunities for expansion, innovation, and real-world application, helping transform the project from a campus initiative into a broader community resource.

Sustainability & Impact

We Grow Aces represents a shift toward a more sustainable and responsible food system. By using controlled growing technology, the project minimizes water usage, reduces waste, and lowers emissions associated with traditional agriculture and transportation.

Beyond environmental sustainability, the project contributes to social impact by addressing food insecurity and improving access to healthy food. It also promotes economic and educational value by creating a model that can grow, scale, and be replicated in other communities. The impact is not limited to production. It extends to how people think about food, sustainability, and innovation.

Support We Grow Aces

We Grow Aces continues to grow through support, collaboration, and investment. Contributions help fund essential components such as seeds, equipment, system improvements, and expansion efforts. Beyond financial support, partnerships play a critical role in shaping the future of the project. By working with businesses, organizations, and community leaders, We Grow Aces can expand its reach, increase production, and strengthen its impact. Supporting this initiative means contributing to a system that combines sustainability, health, education, and real-world innovation.

Social & Media

Stay connected with We Grow Aces and follow our journey as we continue to grow, innovate, and expand our impact across campus and the community. Through our social presence, we share project progress, highlight collaborations, and showcase how We Grow Aces is creating real impact through sustainable food production.

Contact

For partnerships, support opportunities, or more information, connect with the We Grow Aces team through the University of Evansville ChangeLab program.

Erin Lewis | el131@evansville.edu
Neva Verbik | nv36@evansville.edu
Javad Dehghan | md331@evansville.edu