LONDON, ONT – From the planning phase in February to construction in the summer, the London Food Bank’s greenhouse is going to be much more environmentally friendly.
“We’re going to be growing about 80,000 pounds of food a season, that’s a season, not the year,” said Glen Pearson of the Food Bank. “Anytime you’re here, there will be 15,000 plants growing.”
The structure was able to take shape because former city planner John Fleming, who is now a volunteer, led the way.
“What a community effort that has resulted in the construction of this facility to feed the Londoners who really need this,” said Fleming.
Several companies helped, including Lowes Canada and LiUNA. “The construction union put this together for free and supplied Lowe’s materials,” Fleming said.
The London Food Bank hopes this project can now be used as a template for those across the city who want to help.
“We have already approached a few people with the food bank interested in building a greenhouse on their own property to grow food for hungry Londoners,” Fleming said.
The completion takes place in the middle of the Thanksgiving Virtual Food Drive of the Food Bank.
“When COVID started we helped 25 agencies, now we are helping almost 50, and they need fresh food and that’s where this is going,” Pearson said.
