A school program in Nixa that helps teach students how to grow their own food is also helping to feed families in Christian County. The student-led horticulture program at Nixa Junior High, in partnership with the McCauley Foundation, recently delivered 400 heads of freshly harvested romaine lettuce to Least of These, Inc.
The produce was donated by the collaborative "tower farm" effort to the only full-service food pantry in Christian County with the goal of helping families facing food insecurity.
"Four hundred heads of lettuce may sound like a (small) number, but for families in crisis, it means fresh salads on dinner tables, essential nutrients for children, and a sense of dignity knowing their community cares," said Nicole McCauley, founder and CEO of The McCauley Foundation, in a news release.
In the coming weeks, up to 300 additional heads of romaine lettuce are expected to be harvested in support of families in need. The foundation said with more than 10,000 Christian County residents now living in poverty, the need for innovative and sustainable food solutions is greater than ever.
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