Container ‘freight’ farm donated to food bank
COLONIE — Broadview Federal Credit Union has donated a freight container-based farming system to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
The new “freight” farm will grow up to 900 lettuce and other leafy vegetable heads per week. The farm, housed in a repurposed freight container, will help the food bank expand its inventory for a program delivering food to parts of its 23-county service area that lack pantries or grocery stores, and another supplying produce and dairy to pantries before distribution to agencies with limited storage. Fresh produce is in high demand among the food bank’s partners, making up 20 percent of the network’s annual distribution, according to a statement by the food bank.
The freight farm employs hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil and delivering nutrients through a water solution. Nick Pisani, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s chief operating officer, said using an insulated, weather-independent facility enables year-round food growth. A significant portion of the food at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s distribution center supports pantries, soup kitchens and backpack programs that feed food-insecure children on weekends and during school breaks.
“It’s more nutritious food available into our network that we’re supporting,” Pisani said of the freight farm. “It’s also fresh and it’s not something that’s sat on a retail shelf.”
Regional Food Bank CEO Tom Nardacci said his nonprofit sources a large share of its 15 million pounds of annual produce from New York farmers and cultivates about 100,000 pounds on its Voorheesville farm.
“We have a need for more and sourcing more fruits and vegetables is a key component of our strategic plan,” Nardacci said. “This gift from Broadview will be truly transformational, allowing us to grow produce right at our Albany County distribution center 365 days a year and get it out to our neighbors in need within a day of harvest.”
Last week, Broadview celebrated the farm’s opening with the container delivered by truck and installed at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s distribution center in Latham. Food bank staff expect the freight farm’s first harvest in
October.
The freight farm joins others funded by the Broadview at City Mission in Schenectady, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area in Troy, and the Broadview Operations Center on Patroon Creek Boulevard in Albany.