0% APR for 24 MONTHS - as low as $32/mo

Coronavirus, Food Insecurity, and the Rising Interest in Growing Healthy Food At Home

The global novel coronavirus pandemic has changed everyone’s daily life. Some are working from home. Many are donning masks whenever they go out in public and wearing latex gloves when grocery shopping. Others are simply ordering groceries for delivery and not risking exposure to the general public when they need to restock their pantries. And, just about everyone, is preparing more meals at home than they used to. 

It is easy to see the day-to-day impact of social distancing and sheltering-in-place. However, there are similarly important changes taking place in the way people think about the future. They are rethinking whether things they once took for granted will always be available. Access to the local grocery store is suddenly on that list. We have heard from a number of new Gardyners that this was a motivation for them to start growing their own fresh produce at home.

The Sudden Onset of Food Insecurity

Many Americans faced food insecurity for the first time as a result of the pandemic. The United States Department of Agriculture reported last fall that 88.9% of U.S. households were food secure in 2018. That figure was up from 88.2% in 2017. In 2018, only about 11% of U.S. households were food insecure which is defined as, “At times during the year, these households were uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food to meet the needs of all their members because they had insufficient money or other resources for food.”

The impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus introduced all Americans to a more expansive definition of food insecurity. Even those with resources faced uncertainty in acquiring food due to disruptions in freedom of movement along with shocks to the food supply chain. And, with the record unemployment claims of the past month, the number of food insecure households is sure to rise further as family budgets are squeezed. Organizations such as Feeding America which has over 200 affiliated food banks have seen a surge in demand. 

Taking Control of Your Food Sources for Better Health

For those not dependent on food banks, coronavirus has caused them to think about their food sources in a new way. The U.S. food supply chain seems to have bounced back from the initial shock with many store shelves now restocked. But, there are many people that would like to reduce their grocery store trips to decrease their risk of coronavirus exposure. The challenge with this approach is access to fresh produce. Because store-bought produce has a short shelf life, it requires frequent restocking and that means more trips to the grocery store. Canned vegetables are typically high in sodium and have lost much of their nutrient value before consumption. Frozen and canned vegetables are a substitute some families are making do with, but they are not ideal in terms of nutrition or flavor.

This has caused some people to turn to Gardyn. Our first note along these lines was from a woman in Seattle. She told us that the idea of providing fresh greens, fruits, and herbs from something in her own home offered her peace of mind. We saw other social posts from new and would-be Gardyners in New York and throughout the country that recounted having trouble getting a time slot for grocery delivery and that many stores were low on produce. 

Gardyn is well suited to meet these needs. The cutting-edge technology it leverages makes it possible for anyone to grow their own food, with specific skills required or time investment. The Gardyn software looks after your plants 24 hours a day: it optimizes their growth and lets you know if there is anything you need to do, and when it is ready to harvest. As we are fond of saying, “Gardyn has a green thumb so you don’t have to.” 

Gardyners spend just a few minutes per month tending to their produce. Mostly, they just harvest and eat delicious food at its peak of nutrition. You can reduce your trips to the grocery store if you grow your own fresh product at home. At the same time, you can increase your food security and your health. 

When we set out to reinvent the food supply chain in America, we were focused on increasing the availability of nutritious and tasty produce while simultaneously reducing the impact of industrial farming on the environment. It turns out that food security is another value we are offering families today, that the COVID crisis has stressed big time.

Social Distancing Expected to Last Through the Summer

While some states are taking tentative steps to reopen their economies, the Washington Post reports that, “Some form of social distancing will probably remain in place through the summer, Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus task force coordinator, said Sunday.” COVID-19 is expected to be around and a threat to public health until there is an effective vaccine some 18 months or more down the road. 

This means our new normal is not likely to revert to our old normal anytime soon. Reuters even reported that we could see vegetable shortages and rising prices in the coming months as distributors cannot receive shipments due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus policy measures. 

Because Gardyn supports food production, the government asked us to remain open and shipping despite the coronavirus shelter-in-place orders. We have responded to that request by expanding our team and continuing to ship new Gardyns within about a week of order placement. We are proud to play our part in the response and provide assistance and peace of mind to many new Gardyners that are now assured of fresh produce availability. We are also happy that those same Gardyners now have even more nutritious vegetables and fruits on hand than they ever did in the old normal.  

If you have any questions about how Gardyn is helping families grow their own good, I recommend you check out our mission and our overview. Also, send us a note anytime through the website or on social media. We are happy to talk. 

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
On Key

Related Posts

Benefits of Horticultural Therapy

Ever felt the sheer joy of soil slipping through your fingers or the thrill of seeing your first seedling sprout? There’s a reason for that euphoria. Horticultural therapy, the simple

Fall menu and recipes

Falling for Flavor: 3 Recipes to Try This Autumn

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, the arrival of autumn brings with it an abundance of flavors and ingredients that inspire culinary creativity. From hearty salads to comforting stir-fries and delightful desserts, fall offers a wide array of culinary possibilities. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to three mouthwatering recipes that capture the essence of fall.

A Guide to Home Vertical Gardens

Starting a home garden is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. But depending on where you live, you may not think a garden is possible for you. Maybe your outdoor space

Plant Starter Set Options

Recommended

A little bit of everything

Market favorites like Kale, Basil, and Butterhead with a mix of rare heirloom varieties to discover new tastes.

GREENS: Arugula, Breen, Buttercrunch (x2), Butterhead (x2), Green Mustard, Kale, Monte Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

FRUITS: Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Sweet Peppers

HERBSCilantro, Mint, Sweet Thai Basil, Thyme

Beauty

Pops of color and flavor

A mix of bright blooms and tastes featuring Sunflowers, Snapdragons and Mini Cauliflower.

GREENS: Hon Tsai Tai (x2), Purple Kohlrabi, Red Tatsoi, Arugula, Breen, Butterhead, Green Mustard, Kale, Mone Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

HERBS: Dill, Cilantro, Mint, Sweet Thai Basil, Thyme

FRUITS/VEGGIES: Mini Cauliflower (x2), Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Sweet PeppersFlowers: Snapdragon, Sunflower (x2)

Immunity

Boost immunity naturally

A collection selected for their superior medicinal properties to strengthen your natural defenses.

GREENS: Bok Choy, Bulls Blood (x2), Wheatgrass (x2), Arugula, Breen, Butterhead, Green Mustard, Kale, Mone Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

HERBS: Chervil, Holy Basil, Red Sorrel, Cilantro, Mint, Sweet Thai Basil, Thyme

FRUITS: Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Sweet Peppers Flowers: Chamomile, Fiesta Gitana

PLANT STARTER SET OPTIONS

RECOMMENDED

Breen, Kale, Basil, Butterhead (x2), Dill, Buttercrunch (x2), Green Mustard, Arugula

BEAUTY

Mini Cauliflower (x2), Snapdragon, Sunflower (x2), Red Tatsoi, Purple Kohlrabi, Hon Tsai Tai (x2), Dill

IMMUNITY

Bok Choy, Chamomile, Fiesta Gitana, Holy Basil, Chervil, Wheatgrass (x2), Bull’s Blood (x2), Red Sorrel

RECOMMENDED

Breen, Kale, Basil, Butterhead (x2), Dill, Buttercrunch (x2), Green Mustard, Arugula

BEAUTY

Mini Cauliflower (x2), Snapdragon, Sunflower (x2), Red Tatsoi, Purple Kohlrabi, Hon Tsai Tai (x2), Dill

IMMUNITY

Bok Choy, Chamomile, Fiesta Gitana, Holy Basil, Chervil, Wheatgrass (x2), Bull’s Blood (x2), Red Sorrel

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites:

  • Greens – Arugula, Butterhead, Kale, Swiss Chard + 7 more
  • Fruits – Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos & Sweet Peppers
  • Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites: Greens – Arugula, Butterhead, Kale, Swiss Chard + 7 more // Fruits – Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos & Sweet Peppers // Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

Welcome Set

A variety of easy-growing Gardyner Favorites

Greens:

Arugula, Breen, Butterhead, Green Mustard,Kale, Monte Carlo, Red Mustard, Red Sails, Rouge D’hiver, Swiss Chard, Tatsoi

Fruits:

Cherry Tomatos, Jalapeños, Sweet Peppers

Herbs:

Cilantro, Mint, Sweet Thai Basil, Thyme

GARDYN MEMBERSHIP

Save More & Get Personal Plant Coaching

Get 10 free plant yCube credits + free shipping every month

Save 60% on additional plant yCubes including microgreens

AI plant coach Kelby monitors and optimizes your plants’ growth 24/7

Vacation Mode pauses your plants’ growth for a fresh harvest upon return.

Member Exclusive Plants, varieties you can’t find anywhere else.

Save Up To $250 More*

with a pre-paid membership

*Membership optional. Savings compared to Monthly

membership plan at $39/mo purchased in-app after setup. 

Winter Wellness Starter Set

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Bok Choy
  • Breen
  • Bull’s Blood x 2
  • Butterhead
  • Chervil
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Wheatgrass x 2

Herbs

  • Chervil
  • Cilantro
  • Holy Basil
  • Mint
  • Red Sorrel
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers

FLowers

  • Chamomile
  • Fiesta Gitana

Treat Your Senses Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Hon Tsai Tai x 2
  • Kale
  • Monte Carlo
  • Purple Kohlrabi
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Tatsoi
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Hon Tsai Tai x 2
  • Kale
  • Monte Carlo
  • Purple Kohlrabi
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Tatsoi
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits & Veggies

  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Mini Cauliflower x 2
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos
  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Mini Cauliflower x 2
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos

FLOWERS

  • Snapdragon
  • Sunflower x 2

Gardyn Home Device 2.0

Gardyn Home Device 3.0

PLANT STARTER SET OPTIONS

RECOMMENDED

Breen, Kale, Basil, Butterhead (x2), Dill, Buttercrunch (x2), Green Mustard, Arugula

SUNNY BOUQUET

Sunflowers (x2), Viola (x3), Matilda, Dill, Purple Basil (x2), Tokyo Bekana

TASTE OF ITALY

Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Lollo Rossa, Endive Lettuce, Arugula, Romaine, Kale Lacinato, Mini Eggplant

FARM FRESH

Mini-Strawberries (x2), Chervil, Bok Choi, Red Sorrel, Chives, Matilda, Fiesta Gitana, Kale Lacinato, Chamomile

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites:

  • Greens – Arugula, Butterhead, Kale, Swiss Chard + 7 more
  • Fruits – Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos & Sweet Peppers
  • Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

All options also include 20 Gardyner favorites: Greens – Arugula, Butterhead, Kale, Swiss Chard + 7 more // Fruits – Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapenos & Sweet Peppers // Herbs – Thyme, Cilantro, Mint and Thai Basil

Sunny Bouquet Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Tokyo Bekana
  • Arugula
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Tokyo Bekana

Herbs

Herbs

  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Purple Basil x 2
  • Sweet Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Purple Basil x 2
  • Sweet Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers

Flowers

Flowers

  • Sunflowers x 2
  • Viola x 3
  • Sunflowers x 2
  • Viola x 3

Taste of Italy Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Endive Lettuce
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Lollo Rossa
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Mustard
  • Romaine
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Endive Lettuce
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Lollo Rossa
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Mustard
  • Romaine
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Italian Parsely
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Italian Parsely
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Mini Eggplant
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Mini Eggplant
  • Sweet Peppers

Farm Fresh Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula
  • Bok Choi
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Chervil
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Sorrel
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula
  • Bok Choi
  • Breen
  • Butterhead
  • Chervil
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Matilda
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red Mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Red Sorrel
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

  • Chives
  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Chives
  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Mini-Strawberries x 2
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Mini-Strawberries x 2
  • Sweet Peppers

FLowers

Flowers

  • Chamomile
  • Fiesta Gitana
  • Chamomile
  • Fiesta Gitana

Superfood Fresh Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula 
  • Breen 
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Monta Carlo
  • Purselane
  • Red Amaranth
  • Red mustard x 2
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Watercress
  • Wheatgrass
  • Arugula 
  • Breen 
  • Butterhead
  • Green Mustard
  • Kale
  • Kale Lacinato
  • Monta Carlo
  • Purselane
  • Red Amaranth
  • Red mustard x 2
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Watercress
  • Wheatgrass

Herbs

Herbs

  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Wild Thyme
  • Cilantro
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Wild Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cape Gooseberry
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno

  • Sweet Peppers
  • Cape Gooseberry
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Sweet Peppers

Flowers

Flowers

  • Radio Calendula
  • Radio Calendula

Bounty of Greens Starter Set

Greens

Greens

  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen x 2
  • Buttercrunch x 2
  • Butterhead x 3
  • Green Mustard x 2
  • Kale x 2
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2
  • Arugula x 2
  • Breen x 2
  • Buttercrunch x 2
  • Butterhead x 3
  • Green Mustard x 2
  • Kale x 2
  • Monte Carlo
  • Red mustard
  • Red Sails x 2
  • Rouge D’hiver
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi x 2

Herbs

Herbs

  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Thai Basil
  • Thyme

Fruits

Fruits

  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos
  • Cherry Tomatos
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Jalapenos