The freshest leafy greens will soon be included in food hampers from the Red Deer Food Bank.
A hydroponic sea can, capable of producing 250 to 500 heads of lettuce a week, will arrive at the local charity in a couple of weeks. After the ground thaws and foundation preparations are complete, the growing will begin.
“Within about four weeks we’ll start to harvest the food that we produce. From that point it will continue weekly throughout the year,” said executive director Mitch Thomson.
He said getting fresh produce is a significant challenge for the food bank. Often the food is close to the end of its shelf-life, but soon freshly picked produce will nourish clients.
Moving into food production is a “game changer,” he added.
“This is an innovative approach we’ve taken to try and combat food insecurity. In Alberta we’re the only food bank that’s moved in this direction, and I’ve yet to find another one in Canada who has engaged in this type of practice.”
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The hydroponic sea can was purchased from the former backyard hydroponic farm Green Euphoria.
The 12-metre sea can will be filled with vertical plant towers that can grow eight to 10 heads of lettuce. The computer-controlled environment will ensure perfect growing conditions.
“We’re really excited to be able to announce some great funding partners who have made this possible in the coming weeks.”
Thomson said produce like buttercrunch lettuce will be provided to clients with the roots attached in a small container of water so it can grow and stay fresh, tasty and healthy in their fridge for a period of time. The Sea-Can could also be used to grow bok coy, herbs and micro greens.
He said the hydroponic system is very economical to operate and will provide food for 1,000 households a month.
“Using the tremendous volunteers we have, and the support from the community, this is an opportunity that has very little risk and great reward for the people we serve.”
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The food bank already has a dome greenhouse where potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, cauliflower and other vegetables are grown for clients.
Thomson said the greenhouse is great, but it is a slower process and doesn’t yield as much as a hydroponic operation.
“To be able to bring on a (hydroponic sea can) to the food bank that will enable us to provide fresh, healthy greens to each of our families is really, really significant.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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