Family Turns Small Town Sask. School Into Indoor Farm — And Runs A Drive Thru For Veggies
Fresh and Green: Former School Transformed into Hydroponic Garden Delights Community
In the peaceful town of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, something extraordinary is happening every Thursday afternoon. A long line of eager customers forms outside a drive-thru window, but they're not here for greasy fast food. Instead, they crave something fresh, green, and grown right within the walls of their community's old elementary school.
Meet June and Jan Nel, the passionate couple behind Let-Us Grow Hydroponics. Using a hydroponic system that relies on water instead of soil, they nurture plants from seed to harvest and offer the produce to their community. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving venture that has captured the hearts of locals.
"When my husband first suggested growing lettuce inside an old school building, I couldn't have imagined what it would become," June reflects. "I never anticipated the overwhelming love and support from our community or how much I would come to cherish this endeavor."
Transforming classrooms into lush garden spaces, the Nels have replaced rows of desks with rows of leafy greens. Radishes and herbs now flourish by green chalkboards, while cucumbers ambitiously reach for the ceiling. The beauty of their hydroponic garden lies not just in its aesthetics, but in its ability to provide fresh, locally grown food to an area often described as "the middle of nowhere." Situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon, the remote community relies on produce trucked in from distant locations for most of the year.
"Growing our own food locally means we can enjoy fresh produce every day, harvested today, packed tomorrow, and on your table," June proudly proclaims.
Becoming indoor gardeners in an old school was never part of the Nels' original plan when they immigrated to Hudson Bay from South Africa in pursuit of a job opportunity for Jan. However, living in proximity to the abandoned school, which was facing the threat of demolition, presented an unexpected opportunity. The town sought proposals from individuals who could breathe new life into the facility, and Jan found inspiration in the idea of hydroponics. Their proposal was accepted, and in 2019, they began cultivating their first classroom garden. Today, they operate multiple rooms, including the library, and offer convenient options such as delivery, pick-up, and the beloved drive-thru service.
Let-Us Grow Hydroponics has become a beacon of sustainability and local resilience. It demonstrates that even in remote areas, innovation can flourish, and communities can enjoy the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce. The Nels have not only transformed a dormant space but have also cultivated a sense of togetherness, as neighbors come together to support this remarkable endeavor. The old school, once a symbol of the past, has evolved into a symbol of hope, growth, and the power of community.
