REGINA, Sask. — The Regina Food Bank is growing its own fresh greens year-round with the Friday opening of the city’s first modular indoor farm, a project designed to give thousands of people more reliable access to nutritious produce.
The hydroponic farm can produce up to 800 heads of lettuce each week, with harvests also including spinach and bok choy. The vegetables will be distributed through the food bank’s Community Food Hub, hamper program and school food program.
“Most of the food that we get is donated and is non-perishable items, meaning that fresh produce in a consistent way is really difficult for us to manage,” said Mary Weimer, president and CEO of the Regina Food Bank. “And we believe that individuals, families, they deserve access to fresh produce. Everyone does.”
The food bank serves about 17,000 people each month, with one in three of those clients being children. Its annual report recorded 237,707 visits in 2025-26, nearly five per cent more than the previous year.
Weimer said the new farm gives the organization a way to produce fresh vegetables instead of relying entirely on donations and purchased supplies.
“Growing our own leafy greens means we can always offer a nutrient-dense vegetable option to the families we serve,” she said.
Built by Ottawa-based company Growcer, the 40-foot unit uses a soil-free hydroponic system that recirculates nutrient-rich water. The company says the technology uses about 95 per cent less water than comparable conventional production and can operate in temperatures as low as minus 50 C.
“This is a really innovative team that's showing other food banks all across the country a model that can be replicated to serve those in our community who are most in need,” said Corey Ellis, Growcer’s CEO and co-founder.
Farm Credit Canada contributed $250,000 toward acquiring the growing system. CEO Justine Hendricks said the project combines local innovation with a practical response to food insecurity.
“The Regina Food Bank is turning local leadership into lasting impact,” Hendricks said. “FCC is proud to stand behind the people and partnerships making that possible.”
The farm is the first step in the food bank’s broader Farmplex vision. Weimer said the organization hopes to add three more units, expanding local food production and potentially creating surplus supply for other uses.
“We know this is our first farm,” Weimer said at the opening. “We don't think it's our last one.”
For now, the first unit offers the food bank a fresh source of greens through the coldest months, when consistent access to locally grown produce can be difficult.
“We all should have this access all throughout the year,” Weimer said. “And starting with this one unit, we can begin to do that.”
