COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - TelAve -- For many of us, lettuce is just another item on a grocery list. But for families relying on food pantries or no-cost grocery programs, fresh produce can be a luxury out of reach. Enter YWAM Emerge (Emerge Aquaponics), ywamemerge.org, a Colorado Springs lettuce grower with a mission to help people facing food insecurity. Donated lettuce recipients include: Crossfire Ministries, Springs Rescue Mission, Marian House, Salvation Army, Food to Power, and a number of area food pantries and no-cost grocery stores.

Growing, donating and delivering more than 7,000 heads of fresh, delicious lettuce each month incurs considerable operating expenses for Emerge. Local businesses and individuals are invited to join the cause benefiting Colorado Springs area missions and ministries through monthly donations or a generous one-time gift. Lettuce production costs are covered, in part, by sales to local restaurants, small groceries and to Colorado College, but additional donations are required to maintain current levels.

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"When I see the happy faces of people receiving free, fresh, gourmet lettuce, it warms my heart," says Emerge Aquaponics Sales and Service Manager Tim Spadino. "It's like a very special treat for the dinner table, and I know we're contributing to healthier food choices."

There are a number of ways to join the "Lettuce Help Our Neighbors" movement:

• The best way to help is through a monthly donation. Monthly operating costs are fixed. Monthly donations help with cash flow in budgeting for maintenance and growth. Donate at: https://www.ywamemerge.org/donate
• Volunteer at one of our twice weekly harvest events with your co-workers, church groups, family and neighbors. Children, age 7+, are welcome (with parent or guardian). Volunteers are welcome on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Details here: Volunteer | YWAM Emerge
• Help us keep the heads rolling! We are in need of a safe, clean delivery van. If you are interested in donating a used van, use this link: https://www.ywamemerge.org/contact-us
• Your generous, one-time monetary gift will be received with gratitude and a commitment to serve the community with delicious lettuce and a mission to spread the news about aquaponics as a tool to address food insecurity in Colorado Springs, the USA and globally.

Businesses can take advantage of opportunities for team building while volunteering. Other benefits of donating to nonprofits include increased customer loyalty, improved employee engagement, retention, and morale, as well as enhanced brand reputation. Charitable giving also provides financial advantages, such as tax deductions, and helps build strong community relationships while fostering a positive, purpose-driven company culture.

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"Demand for our lettuce always exceeds supply," Spadino continues. "Fortunately, thanks to our unique business model we can also train and equip mission organizations interested in building their own aquaponics systems here or nearly anywhere in the world."

YWAM Emerge operates the Emerge Aquaponics greenhouse in Colorado Springs, and is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to reducing poverty with dignity; training people in discipleship and aquaponics; and lifting up vulnerable communities through economic development and spiritual transformation.

Using aquaponics as a sustainable food source and a viable small business model, YWAM Emerge works to provide a solution to food insecurity and to equip people with the tools and knowledge they need to grow their own food in the name of Jesus in Colorado, the USA, and globally.