Is it possible for school districts to grow some of the fresh produce they serve to students in school cafeterias? At the Kern High School District, the answer seems to be an unequivocal yes.
Recently, district administrators, local supporters and partners in the effort gathered at the KHSD Nutrition Services Central Kitchen in southeast Bakersfield to celebrate the grand opening of its new hydroponics gardens, installed in partnership with Blue Zones Project Bakersfield, Valley Children's Healthcare and Adventist Health Central California Network.
"What's so exciting is the direct impact these gardens will have on our students," said Blue Zones Project School Coordinator Jonathan Gallardo. "Together, all three hydroponic gardens have the potential to produce enough fresh produce to serve up to 1,500 students a month."
It means there will be more nutritious meals, Gallardo said, more exposure to fresh produce, and more students connecting with the food they eat. Hydroponic gardening is a method of growing plants without soil. They can be grown indoors without concern about whether seasons are changing or weather is cooling.
You can watch a video on the Kern High School District using hydroponics here.
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