Pesticide Free, Homegrown Lettuce

Special needs particpants at Mobile M-A-R-C are planting seeds in the community, literally. They have mastered a state-of-the art technique to grow lettuce and sell it to stores and restaurants. They are harvesting what's called hydroponic lettuce, or lettuce grown in water-not soil. No one else in our area is growing it this way.

Over a dozen special needs employees at the greenhouse have the process down to a science, harvesting 600 heads of bibb and arugula lettuce per week. Greenhouse manager Ellen Dixon says there's a job for everyone, regardless of their physical or mental challenges. "They absolutely love it. They come in here in the mornings they can't wait to get in and get started. Absenteeism is low in my area, because they love to be here."

Lindsay Hutchisson with MARC says shoppers are helping special needs clients when they buy the lettuce. "When they purchase that product, it goes back and provides for people that we support. We are not here just to grow lettuce. We are not here to make lattice or make adirondack chairs, which are several projects we have here. We are here to provide training and more independence for our employees (sic)."

The lettuce is pesticide-free, with very little bacteria on it.

The lettuce is sold in Mobile at Brunos Supermarkets on Old Shell Road and Airport Blvd., and at Allegri Farm Market in Daphne. Just look for the MARC sticker on a clear plasic container. There are several local restaurants serving it up, including: Lulu's, The Pillars, The Palette Cafe, and soon, True.

There is an open house at the MARC greenhouse on October 15th, for those interested in seeing the hydroponic technology. It's at 11:30AM, at 8553 Padgett Switch Road.