CANADA: Red Deer Food Bank Providing More Fresh Produce With Second Hydroponic Shipping Container Farm
Susan Zielinski
April 16, 2025
Red Deer Food Bank now has two hydroponic sea cans to grow food for clients. (Photo from Red Deer Food Bank on Facebook)
A second hydroponic shipping 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 green house 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.
"There will be people from all over the province coming to see what we're doing in hydroponic food production spaces."
A public open house will be held at the end of May.
The food bank will also be growing vegetables on an acre plot in the county this summer, and is in discussion with the city to access more outdoor garden plots to help support people in the city and rural communities, he added.
Seven volunteers have been trained in hydroponics, and in the next couple of years many more volunteers will be needed to assist with the open air agriculture and indoor programs.
"We definitely need volunteers. We appreciate what they do for us and they truly make our programs grow and flourish."
Thomson said demand at the food bank has not slowed down since it peaked last year, and starting in May pre-approved clients will be able to get their food hampers delivered within the city for a small fee. It will make it easier on clients, take some of the pressure off the intake area, and provide more food choice when hampers can be assembled ahead of time.
About the Author: Susan Zielinski
Susan has been with the Red Deer Advocate since 2001. Her reporting has focused on education, social and health issues.