B.E.A.M.

The Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (“BEAM”), is a Jacksonville based organization dedicated to helping those in need. Their goal is to produce a beach community “in which no beaches resident goes hungry or is haunted by the fear of eviction.” 

This goal is accomplished by providing low-income residents with food and shelter. They have been providing residents with sustenance from Grace’s Garden, their 7,200 sq. ft farm. Grace’s Garden features eight fruit trees, more than 50 raised beds, several herbs and a butterfly garden. A 16’ x 24’ greenhouse is also featured to help not only house, but nurture the most fickle of seedlings into sprouts.

BEAM is able to produce nutritional food year round through the use of their 12 tower gardens. These vertical growing gardens are perfect for food production in low income urban areas, as well as ANYWHERE. The hydroponics have been able to cut the growing time by ⅓, which is extremely helpful when feeding may residents who need assistance. This technique is also eco-friendly as it utilizes only 10% of the water used in conventional gardening.

In 2018, BEAM was responsible for 789,108 pounds of food distribution to those in need. This was accomplished through food grown from their garden, food donated to their both their pantry and food bank, and an overwhelming amount of goodwill. 
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If you would like to donate or volunteer your time, check BEAM out! https://www.jaxbeam.org/