Growing Today, Feeding Tomorrow
The Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm, the nation's only hydroponic operation affiliated with a Meals on Wheels program, produces thousands of pounds of leafy greens and herbs every year, bringing fresh food to our local community.
Welcome to the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm!
A key component of our Meals on Wheels campus, the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm grows crops without soil — thereby using only 20% of the space of a typical growing operation and a fraction of the amount of water to create an identical amount of produce.
Our farm can produce up to 20,000 pounds of leafy greens and herbs each year, allowing Meals on Wheels to enhance the quality of the meals we prepare and deliver to thousands of older Iowans and military veterans every day. Nourish Iowa greens are also available for anyone to purchase online, through local co-ops, and in local grocery stores.
Growing a
Local Impact
Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm made a real difference in the fight against food insecurity in Central Iowa throughout 2024. Here are some ways we measure our impact!
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Fareway
Nourish Iowa greens are carried at select Fareway locations in Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Clive.
Explore Fareway Locations
Iowa Food Co-op
You can find Nourish Iowa greens at this year-round online farmer's market for Central Iowa.
Visit Iowa Food Co-op Online
Nourish Iowa
You can also get Nourish Iowa greens directly from the farm online, ready to pick up at our Des Moines location.
Purchase Greens Online NowGet to Know Our Team
Amanda Kanehl,
Hydroponic Farmer
Amanda Kanehl received her degree in Biological Conservation and Environment Science from Drake University along with a Horticulture degree from DMACC. Before taking charge of the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm as a WesleyLife team member, Amanda put her passion for organic farming to work with Early Morning Harvest, a well-known farm in Panora.
Claire Smith,
Assistant Grower
Claire Smith received her degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Horticulture and a minor in Adapted/ Recreational Gardening from Northwest Missouri State University. Before working in the hydroponic farm, she was a horticulturist at the botanical garden Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha.
Explore our latest blog posts.
Explore our latest posts to learn more about how the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm supports Meals on Wheels and other community initiatives.
Leaving a Legacy: Jim Bruno and Marta Codina’s Gift to WL Foundation
October 27, 2025
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Meals on Wheels expands to include ready-to-heat meal delivery
July 1, 2025
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Partnership with Polk County to help serve greater numbers of veterans
June 19, 2025
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New hydroponic farm video showcases commitment to well-being
June 12, 2025
Read More
Join our volunteer team, nourish the community.
Opportunities are available for YOU to volunteer at our hydroponic farm located in Des Moines.
No experience is necessary, hours are flexible, and the work is educational and fun! Sign up today to get started.