St. Joan of Arc Parish is bringing students a whole new opportunity for learning with their innovate FlexFarm initiative.
FlexFarm is an indoor growing system that uses hydroponics so that students can help grow fresh produce inside of their very own school building all year long.
The new unit was designed by Fork Farms, a company that is dedicated to bring people food access through technology so that they can bring positive change to the world.
The FlexFarm is one of the most ‘efficient’ and impactful types of hydroponic technology currently available to private groups. If properly utilized, the system can produce more than 25 pounds of food every four weeks or 28 days.
Each year, the system will allow for 3,400 plants to be produced, although it requires less than 2 hours of regular maintenance each month.
FlexFarm will provide the students at St. Joan of Arc Parish hands on learning opportunities that can be scaled for each grade and learning level.
Older students will have the chance to learn about water quality, pH levels, nutrient density, the math behind integrating, and broader science and technology skills. Their hard work is essential to maintaining the farm’s overall health and wellbeing.
Younger students will have more basic interactions that will still help them cultivate their love of science as they help start seedling and learn to transplant them into the farm.
After harvest, the plants produced at the FlexFarm will be shared among the student body and also donated to several nearby food pantries. This allows the school to give back to the community while engaging in the joy of learning.
The new system will allow students the opportunity to focus on the schools’ goals of creating ‘stewardship, sustainability, and service’. It allows the students to feel as though they are making an impact while they learn.
“From our 3K classrooms to our middle school, students are learning where food comes from, how plants grow, and how science and faith connect through care for God’s creation,” said Principal Holly Cerveny. “It’s a wonderful way to combine academics with our mission to serve others.”
