Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Food Bank.
Hydroponic food is growing at the Red Deer Food Bank after a donation from a community partner.
Through a $75,000 grant from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a hydroponic sea-can was purchased to grow fresh produce to support the food bank’s hamper program.
“This is a big leap forward for the Red Deer Food Bank, as we can now offer a consistent supply of fresh produce to our clients,” said Mitch Thomson, Executive Director for the Red Deer Food Bank. “Partnerships like these make our mission to alleviate hunger and improve well-being for the community that much more achievable.”
Previously, the food bank received limited amounts of fresh produce from grocery partners, making it difficult to provide enough to meet client demand.
“The development of our hydroponic food production initiatives and greenhouse allow us to be more self-sufficient in providing healthy food options for our clientele,” Thomson said.
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The hydroponic facilities are now growing lettuce, spinach, radishes, herbs, Bok choy, and other leafy greens to complete the emergency hampers.
One hydroponic sea-can produce 400 heads of lettuce per week. At capacity, the food bank can produce about 1000-1500 heads of lettuce per month.
The tomato farm supports 2,688 plants, all in different life stages. Harvest will render about 20,000 cherry tomatoes a month for the hamper program when they start producing.
Photo courtesy of the Red Deer Food Bank.
Through the winter, the food bank is growing lettuce and tomatoes in the hydroponics section and cabbage, carrots, spinach, and kale out of the greenhouse.
With plans to begin growing peppers, Swiss chard, and strawberries in the future, a possible expansion is under consideration.
“These programs are in place because we saw an issue with the lack of healthy, nutritious foods in the hampers we provide to the community we serve,” said Samantha Paterson, Greenhouse Manager at the Food Bank. “We aim to aid people in getting access to fruits and veggies. With the rising costs of food produce like lettuce becoming more expensive, it’s concerning that people cannot get a more balanced diet in our community.”
**With information provided by the Red Deer Food Bank
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