National School Lunch Program Grant for Hydroponics

MAPS implements hydroponic system thanks to grant funding

National School Lunch Program Grant for Hydroponics | Kyle Kotecki |

IMAGE: Manistee Area Public Schools obtained a hydroponic system through a National School Lunch Program grant.Courtesy of Haleigh Savage

MANISTEE — 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.

Above: Manistee Area Public Schools harvested one and a half days’ worth of lettuce from its new hydroponic system. Courtesy of Haleigh Savage

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.

Hydroponic production systems are used by small farmers, hobbyists and commercial enterprises.

“Things are going amazing so far. … We got about one and a half days’ worth of lettuce out of the system,” Savage said. “We are looking at doing fruits as well, like strawberries and cucumbers, but they take a longer time — generally 40 to 45 days instead of a month.”

Savage said she hopes to get students interested in hydroponics.

“I want to start a student ambassador program and get the students involved in planting the seeds and harvesting once ready,” she said.

Original Article: https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/maps-grows-lettuce-hydroponics-21261073.php