Deer Park High School was recently named one of only nine finalists in the country for the nationwide TangerKids Members Choice grant program. Earlier this school year, the school's science, family and consumer science departments teamed up and applied for a $2,500 TangerKids grant to establish a hydroponic garden.
With the additional funding from Members Choice, voted on by the public, Deer Park's total grant for the garden was $3,500.
According to the district, the garden will produce up to 384 pounds of fresh produce each year and provide students with direct and consistent access to fresh, nutritionally dense ingredients.
"By learning about hydroponic farming, science students can understand how this method contributes to sustainable food systems, reduces our carbon footprint and human impact on the planet," said Director of Social Studies and FACS Vanessa Langdon.
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