Corvallis School District will soon have a new hydroponic garden in its cafeteria area thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Montana Farmers Union Foundation. The foundation distributed more than $43,000 this month as part of its Community Grant program across 22 projects aimed at advancing agriculture learning opportunities in rural communities.
Corvallis School District Food Service Director and project coordinator Kathy Martin said they'll use the grant to purchase two small pre-made hydroponic garden units that will each hold 30 plants. Martin plans to grow herbs to be used in school lunches.
"Our food system needs to get back to the roots, literally, the roots," Martin said. "Things are so processed, and they lose so much flavor and vitamins in the way that our food delivery system is. And so the more local, the more fresh the food is, the better it's going to taste."
Students will be able to help grow oregano, thyme and basil and monitor the plant growth and health, Martin said, adding the experience can be implemented into science, math, food safety and critical-thinking curriculum. The hydroponic garden will come set up with lights and a water pump on a timer, which will ensure growth through weekends and school breaks. Martin has her own hydroponic garden at home and said she feels comfortable operating this system with the students.
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