Hot stuff at the Food Bank
We’ve got some new capacity coming online that will provide clean, wholesome food for our community.
Greenhouse
A geodesic dome, with food inside.
It looks a bit like an igloo, but with a twist. A new greenhouse that will supply fresh vegetables to clients of the Food Bank and provide urban agriculture programming. With our partners from Green Iglu and Relay Education, this greenhouse development will provide many benefits for the community.
The completion of the greenhouse is part of the Sustainable Agriculture course run by Relay Education and Green Iglu that will culminate in over 40 people trained and both the greenhouse and hydroponic sea can, soon to be operating at the Food Bank. The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
hydroponic seacan
We can’t contain our excitement…
Hydroponics is a common method of growing that uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil. The roots of the plants are exposed to flowing water and simultaneously exposed to sun simulating light. This process typically uses 90% less water than traditional farming, reducing environmental impact. Indoor hydroponic farming also avoids limitations normally created by nature like extreme weather, pests and limited growing seasons.
In the fall of 2023, we will be adding a hydroponic seacan to our premises to grow lettuce and other leafy vegetables. With this addition, we will be able to grow vegetables, herbs and other greens in a modified shipping container. They are outfitted with hydroponic systems that produce tremendous results.
