CANADA - Huntsville's Good Food Co-Op Grows - $138K Grant Into Nutrient-Rich Food
Vertical hydroponic farming key to year-round local fresh food
By Kaslo Hamilton Huntsville Forester
May 12, 2023 - 2 min to read
Huntsville’s Good Food Co-operative has introduced a new community project to combat food insecurity and provide access to fresh, local produce year-round. Kelli Ebbs, general manager, explained the benefits and how community members can get involved.
The co-op received a $138,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant over 12 months. On May 12, MPP Graydon Smith, Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock and community members met to celebrate and tour the facility.
WHAT IS A MODULAR FARM?
Modular farming is an innovative practice that uses vertical hydroponic farming in shipping containers year round. “The growing technology was first deployed in food insecure, remote communities, but has since expanded to partner with schools, non-profits, and non-remote communities who see value in growing food locally — like Squamish Nation,” according to a Toronto Star article.
WHY DID MUSKOKA NORTH GOOD FOOD CO-OPERATIVE CHOOSE TO CREATE A MODULAR FARM IN HUNTSVILLE?
The co-op identified a lack of access to fresh produce grown without harmful chemical fertilizers and herbicides in the Muskoka region. They wanted to be able to supply the community with “healthier, more affordable, unsprayed and locally produced foods,” Ebbs said. In 2022, the co-op applied to and received grants from provincial and federal sources and were able to achieve their goal by utilizing the modular farm system.
HOW MANY JOBS HAVE BEEN CREATED BY THE PROJECT?
“One full-time job has been created as a result of this project and our volunteer list is growing. People want to learn and be part of innovative projects like this and we welcome volunteers in all aspects of our co-op,” said Ebbs. Additionally, the co-op is planning to hire a second, part-time person this summer.
HOW CAN INTERESTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS GET INVOLVED?
“We welcome everyone and always have a job to put our heads together on,” Ebbs said. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Good Food Co-op can express their interest over phone 705-789-0020 or email info@muskokanorthfood.com, or, “even better, come in and see us.”
HOW MUCH FOOD WILL BE PRODUCED EACH MONTH?
The modular farm is exceeding expectations, producing 400 to 500 units of lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula, and basil per week. These greens, Ebbs said, “taste fresh and succulent, and are the most nutrient-dense” since they are often harvested the day they are sold.
The produce has been selling out each week and Ebbs said they already have plans to add a second modular farm, they just “need a donor or an investor/collaborator who might be interested.”
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING FRESH FOOD SECURITY IN OUR COMMUNITY?
“Eating nourishing food affects the body, the mind, and the spirit. It also connects us socially; it brings people together in powerful ways and it connects people to their food sources, creating strong, healthy, empowering, economically viable and rich communities,” Ebbs said, “It is my opinion that our region's food producers are the most significant bringers of health and well-being to our community, and the co-op's new modular farm is simply adding to these beneficial outputs.”