FCC-backed modular indoor farm will produce up to 800 heads of lettuce a week, helping improve food security and year-round access to fresh produce in Regina.
The Regina Food Bank has officially opened Regina's first modular indoor farm, a hydroponic growing system designed to provide a steady supply of fresh leafy greens throughout the year, including during Saskatchewan's harsh winter months.
Supported by a $250,000 contribution from Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the project represents a significant investment in local food production and community resilience. The indoor farm is also the first component of the Regina Food Bank's broader "Farmplex" vision, an initiative that could see additional growing units added in the years ahead.
The 40-foot modular farm, manufactured by Canadian company Growcer, occupies an area roughly equivalent to two parking spaces while producing fresh vegetables year-round. Using hydroponic technology, the system grows crops such as spinach, romaine lettuce and bok choy with lower water requirements than traditional outdoor agriculture and without dependence on weather conditions.
FCC President and CEO Justine Hendricks said the project demonstrates how local communities can develop practical solutions to food security challenges.
"Food security is strongest when communities have the tools to shape solutions around the people they serve," Hendricks said. "The Regina Food Bank is turning local leadership into lasting impact, bringing fresh, nutritious food closer to families, building resilience through every season and creating a model that can grow with the community."
The project arrives at a time when demand for food assistance continues to climb. According to the Regina Food Bank's annual report, the organization recorded 237,707 visits in 2025-26, nearly five per cent higher than the previous year. Nationally, food bank use has surged in recent years, with visits across Canada reaching nearly 2.2 million in March 2025.
For food banks, securing a dependable supply of fresh produce can be one of the biggest challenges, particularly during winter months.
Mary Weimer, President and CEO of the Regina Food Bank, said the indoor growing unit will help address that issue directly.
"We needed a reliable supply of fresh produce through the winter months, and Growcer's farms gave us the ability to grow our own," Weimer said. "Most of the food donated to us is non-perishable, and we can only rescue a portion of the fresh produce that comes in. Growing our own leafy greens means we can always offer a nutrient-dense vegetable option to the families we serve."
The modular design was chosen for its flexibility. Rather than investing in a large greenhouse facility from the outset, the Regina Food Bank can add new units as demand and operational capacity grow.
The initial farm is expected to yield approximately 800 heads of lettuce each week. Produce will be distributed through the organization's Community Food Hub, Food Hampers program and school food program.
Growcer CEO and co-founder Corey Ellis said the project highlights how food banks can move beyond simply purchasing and distributing food to also producing it locally.
"Most people see food banks as charities, but food banks are some of the largest purchasers of food because they act as distribution hubs for community food programs," Ellis said. "We worked with Regina Food Bank on their vision to turn part of their procurement into local production and we are excited to see this project grow and serve the Regina community nutritious greens year-round."
Looking ahead, the Regina Food Bank hopes to add three additional modular farms. If that vision is realized, the organization expects to produce enough leafy greens to support its approximately 17,000 monthly clients while generating surplus production for additional community opportunities.
The project also reflects a growing interest in controlled-environment agriculture across Canada, where indoor production systems are increasingly being viewed as a way to strengthen domestic food supply chains, reduce weather-related production risks and provide fresh food closer to consumers. Similar opportunities for controlled-environment agriculture have been highlighted in FCC research examining Canada's ability to expand year-round production of vegetables and leafy greens.
As food insecurity continues to affect more Canadian households, the Regina Food Bank's new indoor farm offers a locally driven example of how technology, community partnerships and innovative agriculture can work together to improve access to fresh, nutritious food.