The Rise of Vertical Farms in Healthcare

What is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming involves growing food in stacked layers or vertically inclined surfaces like walls or columns. This controlled environment agriculture makes use of height to increase yield and allows food production in non-traditional spaces like warehouses and shipping containers.

Benefits of On-Site Vertical Farms in Healthcare

Bringing vertical farming technology on-site offers hospitals and care facilities multiple advantages. Produce can be grown steps away from the kitchen, providing the ultimate in fresh, local ingredients. Vertically farmed food has a longer shelf life and requires no pesticides. Production can continue year-round, increasing access to nutrient-rich greens. Patients also enjoy engaging with the growing process through horticultural therapy.

Implementing Vertical Farms in Healthcare

Vertical farms are being implemented in a variety of healthcare settings. Stacks of hydroponic grow beds provide leafy greens, herbs and microgreens. More advanced systems incorporate automated lighting, nutrients and climate controls for specialised crops. Configuration ranges from small containers to entire retrofitted rooms.

Early Adopters Seeing Success

Early adopters of on-site vertical farms report increased patient satisfaction and engagement thanks to access to fresh produce. Cost savings result from reduced food transportation and waste. Some facilities even donate excess harvests to local food banks. As more providers add vertical farms, research continues to quantify their health, economic and environmental benefits.

Challenges to Consider

Vertical farming requires expertise and careful system design to thrive in a hospital setting. Contingencies for power outages and equipment failure help avoid disruptions in food supply. Upfront costs can be prohibitive, though improving technology and energy efficiency are reducing prices. Ongoing maintenance like water quality testing and harvesting is essential.

A Healthy Future

While not yet widespread, vertical farming holds unique potential to provide healthcare facilities control over the freshness, sustainability, and nutrition of ingredients. When thoughtfully implemented, vertical farms let hospitals “grow their own” nutritious plant-based foods right on-site for patients. This farm-to-table approach promises a healthy future for healthcare catering.

If you are ready for your next role in healthcare catering, contact the team at Cucumber.