Students in Manor ISD are bringing a whole new meaning to farm-to-table. Inside Oak Meadows Elementary, school leaders have launched a program to hydroponically grow fresh lettuce and basil as part of the school district's Farm to School initiative. To grow vegetables hydroponically, plants grow in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. Manor ISD purchased hydroponic towers that allow the plants to grow faster than traditional growing methods, and often in more abundance.
"Everything the plants need to grow is provided artificially," Oak Meadows Principal Marcelina Cobb said. "It's a wonderful feeling because students are not just learning in traditional ways, like books and technology. They're touching and tasting."
Cobb said Oak Meadows is striving to become the number one "green school" in Manor ISD. They're working with the district's nutrition department to achieve that goal. Nutrition Director Ryan Cengel helped purchase the hydroponic growing farm for the campus through grant funding.
"It's a fantastic learning experience for our students. I know of some other districts that are doing similar things," he said. "Anything we can do from the food services department to provide our students with ample opportunities to learn about nutrition and food we do."
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