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."
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.
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