Hydroponic Farm
Coffeyville Farm to School Program
Growing Food. Growing Skills. Growing Community.
The Coffeyville Farm to School Hydroponic Program is a school-based food production and education initiative operated by Child Nutrition Services. Through our on-site hydroponic container farm and greenhouse, we grow fresh, local produce that is served directly in our school cafeterias.
Our program connects students to their food from seed to tray—while strengthening nutrition, agricultural literacy, and workforce skills.
What We Do
We operate:
- A hydroponic container farm
- A greenhouse production space
Together, these systems produce fresh leafy greens such as romaine, leaf lettuce varieties, pak choi, Swiss chard, dark leafy greens and herbs. We harvest up to three times per month.
This produce is served to approximately 1,700 students in our district.
Why Hydroponics?
Hydroponics allows us to:
- Grow food year-round
- Use significantly less water than traditional agriculture
- Produce consistent, high-quality crops
- Grow food directly on campus
- Provide real-time agricultural education opportunities
Students see firsthand that food does not simply “arrive” in a cafeteria—it is grown with planning, science, and care.
Hydroponic Container Farm Overview
The hydroponic container farm is a climate-controlled, self-contained growing system housed within a repurposed shipping container. It uses nutrient-rich water, rather than soil, to grow leafy greens and other specialty crops in a vertical production system. LED lighting, automated irrigation, and environmental controls allow for year-round cultivation regardless of weather conditions. The system maximizes space and water efficiency, using significantly less water than traditional farming methods while producing high-quality, fresh produce for school meals. This innovative model strengthens local food access, reduces transportation needs, and supports long-term sustainability by combining agricultural technology with student learning opportunities.
Student Learning & Workforce Development
Our hydroponic program is not just about food production—it is about education.
Students can assist with:
- Seeding and transplanting
- Monitoring plant growth
- Harvesting produce
- Learning about plant science and nutrition
- Understanding sustainable agriculture systems
This hands-on experience builds:
- Agricultural literacy
- STEM skills
- Responsibility and teamwork
- Career awareness in agriculture and food systems
Community Impact
Our Farm to School initiative strengthens the local food system and community partnerships. We collaborate with organizations such as Montgomery County Blue Cross Blue Shield to promote health and wellness through local food access and education.
The program supports:
- Improved access to fresh produce
- Increased student engagement in school meals
- Healthier food environments
- Community volunteer involvement
Our Mission
To provide fresh, locally grown produce to students while creating meaningful educational opportunities that connect agriculture, nutrition, and community.
We believe that when students understand where their food comes from, they make stronger connections to health, sustainability, and their community.
