The Timmins Anti-Hunger Coalition (ACT) is in the process of owning a hydroponic farm.

Although the project is in its early stages, the nonprofit is working with a consulting firm to ensure its success.

The Timmins Anti-Hunger Coalition plans to eventually purchase Borealis Fresh Farms. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

The organization hosted a drop-in session on Tuesday for anyone who wanted to learn more about this new development.

For several years, the group has worked and learned from Marc Rodrigue, owner of Borealis Fresh Farms.

ACT is working with Community Company, a Kitchener consulting firm, to develop a plan to purchase the farm.

Officials said it was a multi-year project and the vision was ambitious.

“We’re hoping to create some part-time jobs so we can interact with maybe more vulnerable community members to be able to work on the farms and earn a little income and be around beautiful plants and, you know, they’ll have healthy mentally a little better as they’re transitioning into full-time employment somewhere,” said Kelsey MacDonnell, executive director of the Timmins Anti-Hunger Coalition.

“This is a community-led effort and by people with expertise in this space, people who have time and energy,” added Justin Chan, executive director of Community Company.

The Timmins Anti-Hunger Coalition plans to eventually purchase Borealis Fresh Farms. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

“We really want to build this together. You know, this is really the first step in a multi-year journey to build a hydroponic farm that can support our community. So we’re really looking forward to having conversations with people who are excited about it.”

So far, ACT has purchased growing equipment from Borealis Fresh Farms and is already producing basil and lettuce which it sells at its public markets.

“Our markets are open to everyone,” MacDonnell said.

“Same with our Good Food Boxes. They are open to everyone. We hope that through community support from everyone in the community, we can then offer subsidized help to low-income people. But if we don’t have other people come to the market to help support the market, so we’re not able to do this kind of initiative for more low-income people.

Officials said the agricultural project is an opportunity for people to encourage and promote food security in the community by ensuring everyone has access to healthy food at an affordable price.