New partnership leads to hydroponic farm for Red Deer Food Bank

Hydroponics for Food Bank | rdnewsNOW Staff |

Since December, the Red Deer Food Bank has gained the ability to grow fresh cherry tomatoes throughout the entire year with a new indoor hydroponic farm.

The farm was built and designed by NuLeaf Farms using technology by Just Vertical, which provides a local source of fresh produce for the Food Bank at anytime regardless of the season.

“This farm is a major step forward for our food bank,” said Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of the Red Deer Food Bank, in a media release.

“Tomatoes are one of the hardest fresh items to secure, and now, thanks to this partnership, we no longer have to depend on inconsistent donations or seasonal availability. We can grow our own supply right here in Red Deer—ensuring families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious, locally grown produce.”

NuLeaf Farms led the project, integrating its IoT-driven climate and automation technology with Just Vertical’s hydroponic vertical growing systems, while GlobalMedic provided critical logistical support and targeted donations to support the Red Deer Food Bank.

“This farm is proof that when organizations with unique expertise come together, we can create real, lasting solutions to food insecurity,” said Ryan Wright, President of NuLeaf Farms. “By integrating our IoT automation systems with Just Vertical’s vertical growing technology and working alongside GlobalMedic’s humanitarian efforts, we’ve created a farm that’s efficient, sustainable, and impactful. This kind of collaboration is the future of food security.”

The 500 square-foot facility can produce 80,000 cherry tomatoes yearly and it demonstrates how it can be implemented into food bank operations across the country. The technology could help organizations who are exploring new ways for longterm sustainable food production.

“Innovation happens when people tackle problems together,” said Conner Tidd, Co-Founder and CEO of Just Vertical. “This project is a perfect example of how technology and partnerships can make a real difference. Our vertical growing technology, combined with NuLeaf’s expertise in climate automation and GlobalMedic’s support, has enabled the Red Deer Food Bank to take control of fresh food production, reduce reliance on donations, and provide high-quality produce year-round.”

“At GlobalMedic, we believe that strategic partnerships create lasting impact,” said Rahul Singh, Executive Director of GlobalMedic. “This farm is more than just an innovative project—it’s a scalable model that proves what’s possible when humanitarian organizations, technology providers, and sustainability leaders work together to tackle food insecurity.”

Original Article: https://rdnewsnow.com/2025/03/05/new-partnership-leads-to-hydroponic-farm-for-red-deer-food-bank/

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