Through a research collaboration funded by the New York Power Authority’s environmental justice program and led by the national Electric Power Research Institute, FeedMore WNY has launched an indoor “container farm” where fresh fruits and vegetables will grow year-round.
Located at Feed- More WNY’s office on James E. Casey Drive in Buffalo, the indoor farm will be monitored by NYPA and EPRI to study optimum growing in a shipping container farm environment and address environmental and energy impacts that could help reduce costs and expand crop production. The two-year pilot project will provide produce for FeedMore WNY’s nutrition programs, help address climate change, and support New York State’s clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals by using this low-energy indoor farming method.
For the first year, the specially outfitted 40-foot shipping container branded “Rooting for Our Neighbors” will be used to harvest kale that will be distributed to food pantries and soup kitchens that rely on FeedMore WNY for nutritious food and support. Fresh kale and kale dishes will be delivered directly to hungry community members served through the FeedMore WNY mobile food pantry and Meals on Wheels programs. Kale was chosen as the initial crop because of its high nutrient value and short harvest cycle. After the first year, FeedMore WNY will grow a variety of produce to benefit its food-insecure community members.
“NYPA and EPRI are trying to discover the benefits of growing in those container environments. FeedMore WNY is really fortunate to be a part of this project because it allows us to receive and operate an indoor farm and grow very nutritious fruits and vegetables for the benefit of our food-insecure neighbors,” said Catherine Shick, communications director of FeedMore WNY.
Read more at Clarence Bee (Falisha Oser)