Since last year, Elmbrook has begun using hydroponic farming to supply fresh lettuce to school cafeterias. With 12 hydroponic units each producing up to 20 pounds of lettuce per 28 days, locally grown lettuce is able to be directly shipped to students’ lunch trays. Caitlin Harrison, the Elmbrook Food Service Director, shared her thoughts on the initiative: “Hydroponic farming allows us to bring food that we have grown to kids that is both fresh and sustainable at the same time.”
Benefits of this farming system include the standard of lettuce produced. With the unique ability of being able to control water and nutrient levels, the output is extremely high quality. Additionally, hydroponic units also require less water and resources than conventional farming, which shows its efficiency in production. On top of that is also a more environmentally friendly system. Because it’s grown so close to school, the produce accumulates very low food miles before ending up in cafeterias.
But the impact of hydroponics does not stop there. Perhaps the most significant effect has been the involvement of students in the process. “Seeing how passionate students and staff are is the most rewarding part,” Caitlin reflected.
The involvement of student groups such as the BC Environmental Club and Gardening Club, alongside groups at Fairview South, gives students the rare chance of being able to grow their own food. “Our student groups have been crucial in helping maintain the farms, and their enthusiasm for this project has been incredible,” Caitlin added.
With such success coming in the inaugural year, the Food Service team has set its sights on the goal to produce 100% of the salad greens needed to supply the school district. This would require expanding the number of units and engaging more students at the same time.
To achieve this, the Elmbrook Education Foundation(EEF), which has been giving out grants and funds to students and schools for over 60 years, has chosen the hydroponic farm as its primary fundraising target for the 2024-2025 school year. One such event of interest will be EEF’s hosting of the Ladies’ Night, which will be held at the Corners on November 20th at the Corners, from 6:10pm to 9:30pm. funds raised from events like this one will be used to increase the amount of units and involve more students in the process.
As the program continues, it will be exciting to see how this will shape school lunches and inspire students to be more environmentally friendly.
