[ad_1]
FRANKLIN, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – An agricultural program at Franklin Community North High School has received a federal boost. Our partners at Daily log report The school received a grant of more than $ 72,000 from the farm-to-school from the US Department of Agriculture to expand the farm-to-fork program.
The agriculture program began in 2019 and has transformed what was an empty lot just north of the high school into a nine-acre garden growing fruits and vegetables which are served in the school cafeteria. The program currently has around 220 students involved, including some from Franklin Community Middle School.
USDA funding will be used to hire a part-time coordinator to manage the garden and oversee the transfer of food to the school cafeteria, according to the publication. It will also cover the cost of additional equipment and training for cafeteria staff, as well as an aquaponics system and hoop house.
Alicia Geesey, an agricultural teacher at the school, tells the publication that fruits and vegetables grown in the garden include blackberries, raspberries, peppers, tomatoes, corn, squash and pumpkins. Apple trees are also planted on the site.
The school started serving vegetables grown in the garden last spring. Officials told the Daily Journal that students will be able to eat farm-raised chickens starting next spring, marking the first protein to come from the program.
Geesey says that if the school can raise enough money, a barn could be built that would include a classroom, laboratory, and space for chickens and cattle.
[ad_2]
Source link