Roswell Non-Profit Using Hydroponic Farming to Feed the World

Roswell resident Sarah Buchanan may help feed hungry people everyday in her job at Table & Main, but one day soon, she plans to help feed the world using hydroponic farming.

The Kula Project, a non-profit started by Buchanan, uses hydroponic farming technology to eliminate hunger in a sustainable way. Roswell Patch caught up with Buchanan to get the details on who they are, what they do, why you should care and how you can help.

Q: Why and when did you begin the Kula Project?

I started Kula Project in May of this year. I earned my degree in International Development, so I have always wanted to be a part of something so much bigger then myself. I came across hydroponic farming in November of last year, and when I learned more about it, I knew it could be used around the world to grow food. This type of farming uses 90 percent less water and no soil, which are the two of the greatest challenges farmers face. "Kula" is the Swahili word for "to eat" and the Sanskrit word for a "community coming together," and we chose project because I felt it created a sense of action. We didn't want to fund feeding projects because it simply isn't sustainable, but if you teach someone how to grow their own food with limited resources, they can eat for the rest of their lives, and they can teach others.

Q: What do you hope it becomes?

We aren't just an international organization. In fact, we are teaching three girls under 10 [years old] tonight. We want Kula to work here with youth, homeless, and women's shelters, as well as spread the technology to anyone that wants grow and eat their own food - to know where their food comes from. Our goal is to train as many people as we can here, and then set them up to be able to travel and teach method on their own.

Q: Who's involved with the project?

Currently, it is just my boyfriend James and me, but we have awesome people that are helping us get off the ground.

Q: What's the deal with "Liking" on YouTube right now and when does it end?

So, Invest Atlanta is having a contest for Atlanta startup organizations. The top five "Liked" videos [on YouTube] will have their video shown at the largest investor conference in the country. The winner gets $10,000 for their organization and the voting ends Oct. 4.

Q: How can people help you directly and how can they get in touch?

We have a website, kulaproject.org and facebook.com/thekulaproject.  You can find links to donate on both. They can also contact me directly at sarah@kulaproject.org

To help the Kula Project win the Invest Atlanta contest, "Like" their video on You Tube before voting ends, Oct. 4.