Manistee Area Public Schools students can now enjoy fresh produce grown within the district. Thanks to a National School Lunch Program grant, the district acquired a $4,995 hydroponic system in late October and started to grow lettuce.
Before going in the hydroponic system, the plants started in rockwool, spun basalt rock fibers used as a growing medium. Once the seeds sprouted they were placed in the hydroponic system and after four weeks, the lettuce was ready to be harvested and served to the students. MAPS nutrition services director Haleigh Savage said there are multiple benefits to utilizing hydroponics at the district.
"It teaches students about local sourcing, growing your own food, as well as saves money for the food service department by using our own product and not having to deal with shipping costs," she said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media, such as vermiculite, coconut coir or perlite.
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