It started as a small experiment in aquaponics and has grown into a money maker for an area non-profit.
The lettuce grown in a small greenhouse at the Lima Allen County Neighborhoods in Partnership resource center is a hot commodity. It is being sold at the Chief Supermarket on Cable Road were it's flying off the shelf and is popular at the Downtown Lima Farmers' Market. LACNIP representatives say the aquaponic garden is doing well and could possibly expand.
"We are working diligently with the City of Lima to come up with some zoning to put a bigger greenhouse here at 1440 West Spring Street. Organizational wise we are in the process of looking for funding for that process," said LACNIP Aquaponics, Matt Romick.
The aquaponic garden is also being used as an educational resource. A 4-H program through the Allen County Juvenile Court System is volunteering at the garden weekly learning about the process.
