How can we build sustainable communities in Appalachia? Students at the UNG's Appalachian Studies Center believe part of the answer lies in providing access to local food and heirloom seeds. The hoop house will be the Center to better help the community. For example, Lumpkin County Extension can use the hoop house for 4-H programming, UNG students can use it to grow out seeds for their campus edible and seed demonstration garden or grow food for the community. Produce can be sent to non-profit groups like Community Helping Place, No One Alone or Backpackbuddies.

 

Hoop houses, sometimes called high tunnels, are temporary structures that extend the growing season. These covered structures are constructed outside in order to protect crops from the weather (rain, wind, cool or warm temperatures). They offer an intermediate level of environmental control - a growing system between row covers and greenhouses. In comparison to greenhouses, they are unheated, provide less climate control, and are less expensive. 

Hometown Harvest Show benefits the construction and

start up for The App Studies' Center Hoop House

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UNG Appalachian Studies Center Food Pantry