USA - WISCONSIN: Badger Elementary Unveils Indoor Hydroponic Growing System
Leadership Fox Cities participants partner with school to expand access to fresh produce
By WBAY news staff
June 2, 2026
APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - On Tuesday, Badger Elementary School unveiled a new indoor hydroponic growing system designed to expand access to fresh produce, strengthen nutrition education and support student wellbeing during a special community event.
The Hydroponics Learning Fund raised money to support the purchase of the Flex Farm, as well as some additional funding for future farm maintenance and planting.
The project was made possible through a combination of in-kind contributions, corporate support and grassroots community fundraising efforts.
Student fundraising effort
Students, families and staff at Badger Elementary School also played a direct role in supporting the initiative through a schoolwide coin drive that raised $701.39 toward the hydroponic garden project.
Organizers said the student-led fundraising effort reflects the strong sense of community ownership and enthusiasm already surrounding the program.
The project brings an indoor hydroponic growing system directly into the school environment, allowing students to grow fresh produce year-round regardless of season or weather conditions.
Badger Elementary was selected for the initiative due to both demonstrated community need and strong school leadership support.
The school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, ensuring all students receive free breakfast and lunch. Organizers said the project is intended to help remove barriers to healthy food access while also creating meaningful hands-on educational opportunities.
“This project is about far more than growing vegetables,” said Matt Harper, Leadership Fox Cities participant. “It’s about creating opportunities for students to connect nutrition, science, sustainability and wellness in a hands-on way while helping support families who may face food insecurity.”
Educational integration
The hydroponic system will be integrated into learning opportunities focused on science, nutrition, environmental stewardship and healthy living.
Students will participate in planting, monitoring and harvesting produce while learning about food systems and sustainability. Produce grown through the system may also help support students and families experiencing food insecurity.
The project was inspired in part by successful school-based hydroponic programs already operating within the Fox Valley region, including programs demonstrating how indoor agriculture can support both education and school nutrition efforts.
Organizers hope the initiative can serve as a long-term model for other schools and community organizations seeking innovative approaches to nutrition education and student wellness.