A second hydroponic container farm is now fully operational and growing food for Red Deer Food Bank's clients. The hydroponic sea can was reconfigured to grow a wider selection of vegetables and since January it has produced lettuce, Swiss chard, kale and bok choy.
"We really do have a variety of fresh produce items that are available each and every week now, and we're just getting more and more," said executive director Mitch Thomson. "We've had huge uptake. For people with different birth origins, they've been really excited about this big, beautiful bok choy we've been producing."
The food bank now has four hydroponic systems to grow produce in two indoor growing areas and two container farms. Food was also grown in its outdoor greenhouse during the winter where recently spring crops were planted.
Thomson said many people have toured the food production areas, and on May 5 the food bank is hosting the 2025 Food Banks Alberta Conference.
Read more at Red Deer Advocate