Howland Local School District students are growing, harvesting — and eating — hydroponic-grown lettuce. Harvesting events took place last week at Glen Primary School and H.C. Mines Elementary School under the guidance of the district's food service supervisor, Justin Pancake. The lettuce the students harvested was served in salads during a pizza lunch.
The food service department has installed hydroponic systems in four schools — Howland High School, Howland Middle School, and the two elementary buildings — with the elementary buildings receiving them approximately four to five weeks ago. Last week's harvest represents the first use of produce from these systems in elementary school meals. Since the installation, students have participated in the growing process.
According to Pancake, each hydroponic system is capable of producing approximately 25 pounds of lettuce every four to five weeks. The food service department is expanding its growing efforts to include kale and Swiss chard over the next growing cycle.
"Beyond providing fresh vegetables and produce to students, the hydroponic gardening initiative serves as a valuable learning tool. Students get to witness the growth of plants from seed to harvest," a news release from the district states.
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