Since 2018, Forest Home Avenue School in Milwaukee has been cultivating more than just fresh produce—they've been growing hands-on learning experiences that nurture students’ curiosity, health, and community spirit. Thanks to Flex Farms, innovative indoor hydroponic growing systems, Mrs. Meléndez, and her students have harvested hundreds of pounds of fresh produce right inside their classrooms.
TMJ4 News recently visited Forest Home Avenue School to witness a harvest by the 5th graders first-hand and taste some very fresh greens.
In Mrs. Meléndez's 5th-grade classroom, students are greatly involved in maintaining their Flex Farms and harvesting the fresh food they are growing right in the classroom. One Flex Farm can grow 25 pounds of lettuce in a 28-day timeframe, keeping the students very engaged in the process. The students adjust pH levels, monitor plant growth, and harvest lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers, and herbs.
Indoor hydroponic growing in schools helps to increase children's willingness to try fresh fruits and vegetables because they are learning about the foods and are involved in the growing process. Initially hesitant, students at Forest Home Avenue School have now developed a newfound appreciation for fresh produce and truly enjoy eating the lettuce they have grown. Not only are the students learning and engaging, but they are also eating more fresh greens than they normally would have. For many students at Forest Home Avenue School, fresh food isn’t always readily available at home. The school’s Flex Farms help to bridge this gap, providing access to nutritious greens while teaching students about healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, and small-scale entrepreneurship.
The Flex Farm systems seamlessly integrate into subjects like biology, chemistry, reading, writing, and math. Students apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and retention. Beyond the classroom, students at Forest Home Avenue School participate in a Cooking Club where they use their harvest to make things like fresh pesto for sandwiches and pasta dishes.
These young students aren’t just growing fresh food, they’re growing knowledge, opportunity, and a stronger community. We’re so proud of the amazing work these students and Mrs. Meléndez are doing, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow. Also, Mrs. Meléndez is competing for America's Favorite Teacher, if you think what she is doing is great, cast your vote.
To learn more about how your school or organization can get started with hydroponics, visit ForkFarms.com.
