London Inc. March/April 2023 - 20

Upfront TechAlliance
A PLACE TO GROW
Specializing in new indoor growing technologies and systems, Food Security
Structures Canada aims to help Indigenous communities grow and thrive
INFLATION AND THE rising cost of living has not gone
unnoticed by any Canadian, and finding fresh produce in
grocery stores has become not only more expensive, but also
more difficult.
But while being felt in every corner of our county, sky-high
costs and food inaccessibility is particularly impactful for
Indigenous populations across the country, most notably in
Northern Canada where communities continue to struggle
with the post-Covid economy.
indoor plant wall for home use to large-scale structures for
community growing or entrepreneurial businesses.
Allowing users to grow fresh and nutritious food
anywhere in the world all year round, regardless of climate
or location changes, these systems create opportunity for
a myriad of uses that all result in the expansion of food
accessibility and knowledge globally.
Designed to be built quickly and easily, without heavy
Food Security Structures Canada
co-founder Kim Parker
equipment or complex building materials, the growing
systems also are tailored to consume
limited electricity and water, which
can make a substantial difference
when it comes to providing needed
food for families and businesses.
" This is the technology that we can
take into an underserved community
so that they can create hope for their
youth, entrepreneurial opportunities
and the ability to be self-sufficient, "
says Parker. " My rural and Indigenous
background has taught me the importance
of human connection with plants
and growing food, which makes this
business my driving force to share
with others the importance of having
a relationship with your plants and
nurturing them so they can nourish
you in return. "
Parker's own Metis heritage connects
her to the plants she cultivates
- and connects her business to the
land she brings life to. She speaks to
the experience of working alongside
Indigenous communities through Food
Security Structures Canada and the
importance of following the guidance
of each individual community when
Standing firm in their belief that access to fresh, quality
produce is essential for all, Kim Parker and Greg Whiteside,
co-founders of London-based Food Security Structures
Canada (www.foodsecuritystructures.ca), have set out to
bring their low-tech, high-reward produce growing structures
and technologies into the communities that benefit
the most during a time when it is needed more than ever.
Specializing in controlled environment agriculture, the
products offered by Food Security Structures Canada vary
in size and scalability, starting from something as small an
20|londonincmagazine.ca|MARCH / APRIL 2023
facilitating the building of growing structures.
" We are firm believers in both food security and food
sovereignty, " she says. " It's all about choosing what you want
to eat, and then it's our job to help people have access to the
fresh, nutritional food that they need. "
http://www.foodsecuritystructures.ca
London Inc. March/April 2023

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