Partnership Between UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield and Other Organizations Will Provide Fresh Produce

Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 -- 11:00 AM

Fresh, local produce will be distributed to those who need it most thanks to a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Marshfield, Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health and Fork Farms.

The Wisconsin PureGrow Project: A Sustainable Growth Initiative was launched today at UWSP at Marshfield. The collaboration will use cutting-edge, indoor hydroponic technology to grow nutrient-dense produce year-round, supporting the health and well-being of patients, staff, and those visiting Marshfield Clinic as well as underserved community members in central Wisconsin.

Fork Farms will manage the hydroponic systems, known as Flex Acre and Flex Micro farms, housed inside the UWSP at Marshfield campus. These systems enable the cultivation of a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods, including leafy greens, herbs, peppers, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

Each Flex Acre can produce hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while the compact Flex Micro provides efficient, small-scale growing for kitchens and classrooms. “In communities across Wisconsin, families face impossible choices between nutrition and affordability.

The Wisconsin PureGrow Project aims to change that by providing locally grown healthy foods,” said Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Impact and Social Accountability at Marshfield Clinic.

“This innovative hydroponic system is among the most efficient, scalable and transformative food-growing technologies in the world,” said Steve Tyink, director of partner development for Fork Farms. “They reduce water and energy use while supporting climate-resilient agriculture that is unaffected by pests or weather.”

“UWSP at Marshfield is pleased to take an active role in continuing UW-Stevens Point’s commitment to sustainability and community-rooted partnerships,” said Tony Andrews, campus executive at UWSP at Marshfield. “Not only does this initiative benefit our community, but it provides opportunities for agricultural training, education and workforce development.”

“Together, we will deliver the freshest greens advancing health and wellness in a new way,” said Shrader. “As one of the first initiatives of its kind in the United States, the Wisconsin PureGrow Project marks an exciting advancement in sustainable food innovation."

"We’re proud to grow this partnership and contribute to setting a new standard for community and population health through technology, collaboration, and year-round access to fresh, nutritious produce.”

To learn more about hydroponic farming technology, visit www.forkfarms.com. Fork Farms is a mission-first agriculture technology company based in Green Bay, Wis., dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Fork Farms designs and develops innovative indoor hydroponic vertical farming technology and digital tools that empower anyone to grow fresh food anywhere. With more than 4,000 systems installed across all 50 states and a growing international presence, Fork Farms is redefining the future of local food access through scalable, efficient and impactful growing systems.

Marshfield Clinic Health System, now Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health, is an integrated health system whose mission is to enrich lives through accessible, affordable compassionate health care.

Marshfield Clinic serves Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with more than 1,400 providers comprising dozens of specialties, health plan, and research and education programs.

Primary operations include more than 60 Marshfield Clinic locations, 11 hospitals, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation.

(Photo courtesy of UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield via press release)

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