Hydroponic farm, disability nonprofit partner to grow produce year-round

Shipping container doubles as indoor vegetable farm in Godfrey

Published: Nov. 2, 2026 at 2:57 PM CST|Updated: 16 minutes ago

GODFREY, Ill. (First Alert 4) - A shipping container in Godfrey has been converted into a hydroponic farm that grows vegetables year-round.

The container belongs to Theodora Farms.

Adelynn Bentley, the farm manager, told First Alert 4 that the panels where everything grows are self-watering, fertilize themselves and have automatic lights.

Workers from Challenge Unlimited help plant crops inside the container, including kale, tomatoes and lettuce. Challenge Unlimited is an organization that provides opportunities for people with disabilities.

Theodora Farms can grow produce year-round using the hydroponic system, in partnership with Challenge Unlimited.