Key Takeaways:
- Nonprofits in Winnipeg, including Siloam Mission, are using vertical farming to address food security.
- The Harvest Wall, developed by Harvest Today, allows Siloam Mission to grow fresh produce year-round.
- The project, spearheaded by Trina Semenchuk, enhances meal quality for those facing food insecurity.
- Fresh, on-site produce improves consistency in Siloam Mission’s meal offerings.
Nonprofit organizations in Winnipeg are adopting innovative vertical farming systems to improve food security in the community. Siloam Mission, a local nonprofit that serves over 1,500 meals daily to people experiencing food insecurity, has collaborated with Trina Semenchuk, founder of Little Greenhouse That Could and distributor for Harvest Today Canada, to incorporate fresh, locally grown produce into its meal program. Using the Harvest Wall system developed by Harvest Today, Siloam Mission is now able to grow fresh greens, such as lettuce and herbs, on-site year-round.
Expanding Access to Fresh Food
The collaboration began when Semenchuk donated produce to Siloam Mission, demonstrating the potential of fresh, local food to enhance meal quality. Impressed by the impact, Siloam Mission decided to implement its own vertical farming system. Semenchuk played a key role in setting up the Harvest Wall at Siloam Mission, training staff to use the system effectively. She envisions vertical farming as a scalable solution for food security in Winnipeg.
William Aitken, Director of Operations for Harvest Today Canada, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Trina and the strides she is making in the vertical farming industry here in Manitoba. Her commitment to improving food security for communities is truly inspiring, and we’re honored to be part of this journey.”
Impact on Siloam Mission’s Meal Program
For Siloam Mission, growing produce on-site has enhanced the nutritional value and consistency of its meal offerings. According to Marilou Castro, Food Services Manager, “Our vertical farm has been a passion project for a long time. Now, seeing our community enjoy fresh, hearty meals like BLTs with homegrown lettuce is a dream come true.”
With over 80% of its food donated, Siloam Mission benefits from the ability to grow fresh greens, which adds reliability and quality to its meals. Kendall Giilck, an employee at Siloam Mission, emphasized how this project helps meet the nutritional needs of those they serve.
