The CCS hosted an open house at the site over the weekend, which drew a sizable crowd of people who were eager to learn about the project.
"We've been working on this for so many years, so this really validates that this is a good project and people are keen on supporting local food and recognize the value of food security projects," said Sophie Larsen, CCS Food Program Coordinator. The indoor hydroponic system will grow lettuce and leafy greens that will be distributed around the community.
"A portion of our lettuce will be sold to people in Cranbrook to help pay for the operating costs, some will go to food support agencies through our Food Recovery distribution – so that will go to Street Angels, the Salvation Army, and the Food Bank. Another portion of the lettuce we grow will go to school lunch programs," explained Larsen.
"We applied for the funding three years ago and it was brought on by the fact that we recognized that we have great growers in the summer season, but not in the winter, and we wanted to augment the food system," said Larsen.
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