Officials from the state Department of Agriculture visited the agricultural science plant science class at South Hunterdon Regional High School on Sept. 26 in West Amwell and learned about its innovations with vertical produce-growing.
The occasion was the fourth annual Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week, which highlights efforts to connect schools with New Jersey farmers to buy local produce for school meals. It also seeks to teach children where their food comes from by growing it themselves in school gardens.
"Farm to School Week is a great time for schools to celebrate New Jersey’s abundance of fresh produce grown so close to where we live and to teach children the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables," said Secretary Doug Fisher.
South Hunterdon Regional High School Agricultural Science Instructor Tiffany Morey said the class uses a vertical planting wall provided by the New Jersey Farm to School Network. Students plant, water, feed, maintain and harvest the wall for the school year. They are currently growing basil, parsley, several varieties of lettuce, spinach, cabbage and Asian greens. The produce is used by the cafeteria staff and culinary arts classes.