The heavy rain has been wreaking havoc around parts of Kansas.

But, one Wichita non-profit has been able to benefit from the wet conditions.

Recycled rain is a creative strategy that the Union Rescue Mission of Wichita has been using for the last few years.

Gardening is a therapeutic hobby for member Michael Goodman.

The garden at the mission is a unique operation, especially when it comes to how the fruits and vegetables are grown. Most of the water used to nourish this produce is 100 percent recycled rain.

“We just catch all of the water that comes off the roof and it goes into the tanks,” said Tom Myers, a program director at the mission.

Over the last few days, these tanks have filled up with more than 2,000 gallons of rain water.

That water then goes to the storage tank.

“And, we have a hose running from the tank,” said Myers. “It hooks into a main line.”

“That’s what we’ve used to water our garden,” said Myers. “This year, we’ve not had to use any city water. Last year, I think we had to use it once.”

“It’s a lot better for the environment, I think,” said Goodman. “You know what I mean? You’re taking care of your resources. You’re not wasting them.”

Not only is the produce tasty, at least according to Goodman, the food that is grown in this garden is accessible to over 100 mission residents. It’s also available to 40 families every week.

“We’re able to use the produces in our food boxes we have two days a week, four weeks a month,” said Myers.

