Hampstead Institute Inc

Welcome to the HAMPSTEAD INSTITUTE

Nationwide and locally in the River Region of Alabama, the Hampstead Institute is a non-profit organization that encourages sustainable food production, healthy lifestyles and economic growth through education and intelligent design.  Providing concepts and information to inspire vibrant community growth for the future, the Hampstead Institute speaks directly to the industries involved in transforming neighborhoods using efficient and creative design and development techniques.

 

The Hampstead Institute manages two urban farms, at the town of Hampstead in east Montgomery and in downtown Montgomery along the Alabama River.  Both farms are living classrooms for youth and adult education programs focused on growing and eating healthy food.  The farms are vibrant and interesting gathering places that foster education, sustainability, tourism and economic development for Montgomery and the River Region.  The Institute also provides outreach to other communities, encouraging more community gardens and the development of markets for local produce.

 

Education

The Hampstead Institute’s Farms offer educational workshops and fieldtrips for schools and community groups, such as our collaboration with the Montessori School at Hampstead and Carver High School’s Culinary Academy.   We teach such topics as sustainable food production, nutrition and healthy living at both farms and in the community. Visitors to the farm will be able to observe the various stages of planting and harvesting, as well as participate in hands-on learning activities.

 

Sustainability

Across the River Region, people are becoming more interested in sustainability, and are searching for new ways to incorporate it into their daily lives. The Institute’s farms promote sustainability by utilizing natural, regenerative resources and methods in growing food. Local restaurants and individuals can purchase the locally-grown food, resulting in less waste in transportation and fuel costs from farm-to-table.  The Institute is also pursuing opportunities to compost restaurant waste on-site to produce a high-quality soil fertilizer.

 

Tourism

The Downtown Farm serve as an exciting new stop on the Lightning Route as visitors explore Montgomery, a historic city that is leading the way in new urbanism and SmartCode development in the Southeast.  The farm also promises to be a destination of choice for school fieldtrips. Educators from across the River Region and beyond will be invited to bring their students to the Capital City to visit this unique working farm.

 

Economic Development

The Institute’s farms support the local economy by providing a unique tourist destination, and advancing sustainable agriculture projects in the River Region. It will add to the quality of life in the River Region, and will be an enticement when attracting new business and visitors to the area.   The Institute will work to develop a regional food policy council to provide a voice for a healthy vibrant local food economy.