B.E.S.T. Academy and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, in collaboration with Southern Company, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, EPRI, Georgia Tech and Goodr, unveiled a high-tech indoor agriculture container farm on its campus Friday. The ribbon-cutting event marked a major milestone in a collaborative effort to address food insecurity and empower students through hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning opportunities.

Located in a neighborhood with limited access to fresh produce, this innovative container farm is housed in a retrofitted semi-trailer equipped with advanced sensors, LED/UV lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems and precision-controlled pumps. Indoor agriculture enables year-round crop production regardless of outdoor conditions, boosts crop yields per square foot, reduces energy used for transportation and optimizes water use. The project will provide locally grown produce while serving as a living laboratory for students to explore sustainable agriculture and clean energy technologies. 

"With our agriculture center, we begin a fresh chapter at B.E.S.T. — one that opens doors to greater opportunity, ignites innovation and amplifies our impact in our community and beyond," said Robert Williams, principal of B.E.S.T. Academy.

“Food insecurity is a major issue in today’s society,” said Aaron Swain, chairman of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta. “Combining healthy food options with education around the benefits of eating freshly grown produce is a shining example of a life-altering partnership. What better location for an indoor agriculture container than a middle and high school to highlight the benefits and community engagement possible with this installation and partnership. The 100 is elated to have made this dream a reality.”

“This project is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation,” said Dr. Mark S. Berry, senior vice president of research, environment and sustainability at Southern Company. “We’re proud to support B.E.S.T. Academy and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta in giving students hands-on experience with technology that can make a real difference in their lives and their communities. When we work together to solve challenges like food insecurity, we’re helping build a stronger, healthier future for everyone.”

“Demonstrating the benefits of indoor farming is an opportunity to educate communities while also delivering fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce to the community year-round,” said David Porter, vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy at EPRI. “EPRI looks forward to working with collaborators to showcase innovative, sustainable practices that promote consistent access to healthy food.”The event featured remarks from Principal Robert Williams of B.E.S.T. Academy, representatives from Atlanta Public Schools, the city of Atlanta, the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, EPRI and Southern Company. Attendees toured the container farm, learned about the technology behind indoor agriculture and heard directly from students involved in the project.