$227K to build year-round greenhouse in Calgary

Since 2019, Highfield Regenerative Farm has been growing produce in Calgary's southeast on a piece of vacant land, which it leases from the city. The new greenhouse will allow the farm to expand its short growing season and help feed those most in need.

The money comes from the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, an initiative from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to support sustainable, community-based food systems.

"We're hoping to kind of expand our sales channels a little bit to try and recoup some of those costs, of course, of growing the food," said Heather Ramshaw, operations manager at Highfield Farm.

"But there's always going to be a very strong focus on donating it to food access programs in the city. "

Last year, Highfield Farm produced about 900 kilograms of fresh vegetables, most of it going to the Calgary Food Bank and The Mustard Seed, a local non-profit that provides emergency shelter and other resources for Calgary's homeless population.

"In Canada, no one should have to go hungry. Strengthening food security for our most vulnerable populations is more important than ever," said George Chahal, the MP for Calgary Skyview, in a news release.

With its new funds, Highfield Farm "will be better able to provide fresh, nutritious food for families when they need it most," Chahal said.

Fresh produce for local shelters

Andrew Millar is the basic services manager for The Mustard Seed. He said the organization received produce from Highfield Farm all throughout the summer.

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Source: Msn News