Red Deer Food Bank is expanding its ability to grow fresh produce thanks to $150,000 from Federated Co-operatives Ltd. The Co-op Community Spaces grant, presented by Central Alberta Co-op, will allow the food bank to grow produce in a 600-square-foot space inside its building. The new endeavour will be named the Co-Op Community Food Farm.
"This is an opportunity for the Red Deer Food Bank to create a secure, sustainable source of food for years and years and years to come," said Mitch Thomson, food bank executive director. The plan is to grow just under one million tomatoes in the coming year to add a package of 15 cherry tomatoes to each food hamper.
He said food banks are known for salty and stale, canned and packaged products. Right now the charity must rely on various sources for fresh produce, and the food farm will help fill the need for fresh ingredients for clients.
"We want to create a variety of fresh food products that people can use, and tomatoes are one of the most versatile food sources out there."
Read more at reddeeradvocate.com