Milwaukee Hydroponic Farm Boosts Fresh Food Access
A new indoor farm will provide 200,000 pounds of fresh lettuce annually to food pantries across 35 Wisconsin counties.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food
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A new indoor hydroponic farm in Milwaukee is now operational to address the need for fresh produce at food pantries. The facility will produce 200,000 pounds of lettuce annually to support families across 35 Wisconsin counties.
Why it matters
Food pantries have reported a 15% to 30% increase in users this year, making consistent access to nutritious produce a critical priority. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in fresh food availability that has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility uses 72 hydroponic systems to produce 200,000 pounds of lettuce annually, enough for 38,500 side salads weekly. Full production capacity is expected by the end of 2026.
The players
Rockwell Automation
An industrial automation company providing the physical space and control technology for the hydroponic facility.
Fork Farms
A developer of modular hydroponic systems used to grow fresh produce in indoor settings.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
A food bank network that coordinates the distribution of fresh produce and meals to community pantry partners.
The details
Located within the Rockwell Automation headquarters, the 8,000-square-foot Clock Tower Farms uses recirculated water and optimized lighting to grow crops. The growing environment is managed by the PlanPAx system, which monitors and adjusts conditions to maximize yield in a controlled setting. This hydroponic approach significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional farming methods.
Timeline
1995: Annual Stock the Shelves campaign fundraising began.
October 2026: Fundraising goal set for Stock the Shelves campaign.
End of 2026: Clock Tower Farms reaches full production capacity.
Health Landscape
This project integrates advanced industrial automation into regional food security efforts to overcome long-standing barriers in fresh produce distribution. It represents a shift toward local, tech-driven cultivation to address rising demand for nutritious food in the community.
Families relying on regional food pantries can expect more consistent access to fresh lettuce as production reaches full scale. Those interested in local food security or the impact of pantry services can discuss donation or volunteer opportunities with their local community center or pantry.
The takeaway
Reliable access to fresh greens is a cornerstone of daily nutrition, and technology is playing a new role in stabilizing supply chains for those in need. If you rely on pantry services, ask your local coordinator about expected delivery schedules for fresh produce to plan your household meals.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of local food access and quality, visit the Organic Food section.
More information
To support the effort to increase fresh meal access, visit the Feeding America online donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Journal Sentinel.
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