InTucker Magazine

NETWorks’ Growings!

When Innovation Drives Service

For more than two decades, NETWorks has been a pillar of support in the Tucker community, alleviating burdens for families through food assistance and financial aid. Now, they’re growing—both in physical space and in what they offer.

A significant addition to their efforts is Growings!, an indoor hydroponic farm that produces fresh food year-round. This innovative farm allows individuals in need to shop for produce—completely free of charge—right at NETWorks.

“It is very rewarding,” said NETWorks Executive Director David Fisher. “I will say we can’t do that work without the support of the community.”

A MISSION ROOTED IN COMPASSION

NETWorks began in 2004 as a nonprofit formed by several local churches, committed to responding to the food and financial needs of the community with the hospitality of Christ. Their mission goes beyond immediate relief—they aim to help individuals find long-term solutions to poverty.

“So we are trying to help them meet their hardship both in food shortages and financial shortages,” Fisher explained, “but we’re also trying to work with them to find ways they can get out of that situation permanently.”

That’s where Growings! comes in.

HYDROPONICS BRINGS FRESH FOOD AND HOPE

Growings! was the brainchild of Neil Duggan, who now manages the operation. Years ago, he approached Fisher with the idea of using hydroponics to create a sustainable source of food. But at the time, NETWorks was in a small 2,000-square-foot facility, and Fisher didn’t see a way to make it work.

“Neil came to me several years ago with the idea of hydroponics, and at that point, we were in a different facility—we had nowhere to do it,” Fisher recalled. “I thought, great idea, I can’t help you. You cannot help us right now.”

Fast forward to today, NETWorks now occupies a 10,000-squarefoot space, and Growings! has blossomed into a thriving operation. The hydroponic farm uses a recirculating water system to grow strawberries, bok choy, lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, cucumbers, and tomatoes—all fresh, local, and ready to nourish the community.

Duggan took the idea from concept to reality, securing funding from an anonymous donor, church partners, grants, and individual donors. With resources in place, Duggan got to work designing, cutting, welding, and planting.

“It really has been all him, and now he has some volunteers getting involved with the planting, growing, maintaining, and harvesting,” Fisher said.

HARVESTING CHANGE

The first Growings! harvest arrived on a Tuesday, and by the next day, people were picking fresh produce off the shelves.

“My favorite part is just seeing it going into a bag and going into a refrigerator,” Duggan said.

The impact extends beyond providing food—it’s about offering dignity and choice. Visitors can now select their own produce, often fresher than what’s available in grocery stores. And for many, NETWorks is a stepping stone to greater financial security.

Fisher shared the story of an elderly couple who shopped at NETWorks while saving for a much-needed hearing aid. Thanks to the food assistance, they were able to reach their goal. Others have found job opportunities posted in NETWorks’ lobby and returned to share their success.

“Some come to us at events like Tucker Day and say, ‘I used to shop at your pantry, and while I was there, I found out about a job opening. Now I make enough to buy my own groceries and don’t need to come to the food pantry anymore,’” Fisher said.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

NETWorks relies on a dedicated group of volunteers who help run the organization, including Growings!. From planting to harvesting, community members play a crucial role in maintaining the farm.

“There has been a very good group of folks donating their time,” Duggan said. “Everybody gets excited when they hear about it, and when they see it, they are just drawn to it. They want to come back and volunteer more and more.”

Those interested in lending a hand can sign up to volunteer at NETWorks Growings!.

For Fisher and the NETWorks team, the work is rewarding but never finished.

“It can be emotional at times,” Fisher said. “It’s very rewarding. While it is sad to see how much need there is, it is beautiful to see how our community responds to that need and helps their neighbors day in and day out, year after year. It is amazing.”

And with Growings! thriving, NETWorks’ future looks even brighter.