About CARE_FTL
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
CARE_FTL is a community-rooted nonprofit building Food Equity Hubs—small, sustainable growing centers that bring hyperlocal produce, jobs, and opportunity directly to neighborhoods.
We empower families, youth, and local growers by using resource-efficient farming systems that use 95% less water, 90% less space, and grow clean, pesticide-free food year-round.
Our mission is simple:
Grow locally. Share fairly. Build resilience together.
CARE_FTL brings together educators, families, chefs, nonprofits, and local leaders to strengthen food security, spark workforce development in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), and create a self-sustaining ecosystem where food stays in the community that grows it.
Our Story
CARE_FTL began with a simple belief: every community deserves access to fresh food grown close to home.
Founded by Otto Hernandez, an operations and environmental compliance specialist with years of experience in agriculture and food systems, CARE_FTL grew out of a desire to build something different from large tech farms and conventional agriculture.
Instead of overproducing or exporting food away from communities, we grow with the community—not over it.
Starting with small aeroponic installations in local schools and churches, CARE_FTL quickly gained support from families, teachers, chefs, and local nonprofits. With each new project, the vision became clearer:
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Grow hyperlocal food
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Support local farmers and businesses
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Donate 15–20% of harvests to families in need
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Train youth and adults for the $104B CEA workforce of the future
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Build a food ecosystem that strengthens—not replaces—the community
Today, CARE_FTL is developing scalable Food Equity Hubs throughout Napa and beyond—each one designed to nourish, employ, and empower the neighborhood it serves.
Who We Are
Board of Directors & Advisors
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Otto Hernandez
Founder & Executive Director
Board President Leads business development, community partnerships, and program operations 20+ years of experience in operations, logistics, environmental compliance, and management Experienced in working directly with farmers, growers, and food manufacturers Oversees strategic partnerships, grants, and aeroponic system deployment Aligns mission, programs, and strategy across CARE_FTL and For The Land LLC
Humberto Maldonado
Treasurer
Board Member – Community Engagement & Market Advisor Connects CARE_FTL to grocery retail and produce logistics networks Advises on mentorship pathways for youth and underserved communities Supports outreach to faith-based groups, civic leaders, and community partners Brings valuable grassroots organizing and community relationship expertise
John Faircloth
Secretary of Operations
Board Advisor – Sustainable Systems & Horticulture Expert 35+ years of experience in horticulture, nutrient chemistry, and controlled environment agriculture Guides tower system design, greenhouse planning, and plant media formulation Advises on technical quality standards and workforce curriculum Supports system installations and special projects (remote + on-site)
Barry Williams
Analytical Trustee
Board Member – Analytics & Technology Advisor Provides expertise in analytics, KPIs, and digital infrastructure MBA with experience in security analytics, coding, and tech innovation Supports financial modeling and donor engagement tracking Strengthens CARE_FTL’s data systems and tech capacity