USA - WISCONSIN: Germantown High School Students Harvest Fresh Produce in the Classroom
Science Students Showcase Fresh Greens Grown in Hydroponic Farms
Germantown High School harvest event
SOURCE: WISN 12 News
Oct 17, 2025
Jessica Schmid
GERMANTOWN, Wis. —
Science students at Germantown High School hosted a harvest event on Friday to showcase fresh greens they grew inside their classroom.
The students used an indoor hydroponic farming system to grow several varieties of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, mini cucumbers, snacking peppers and micro greens that they then served up at school lunch on Friday.
The district's food nutrition director, Jill Seefeld, said they built the lab this summer.
"Right now, our lettuce comes out of California. It travels 2,400 miles before it gets to us. For us to be able to harvest it and go 500 feet to the cafeteria is pretty exciting," Seefeld said.
The Flex Farms from Fork Farms system grows the plants using a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil. Students are involved from planting the seeds, to checking the nutrients, to the harvest. The systems can produce up to 25-30 pounds of food every 28 days.
All the food grown at Germantown High School is then served at the district's six school cafeterias. Seefeld said students are excited to try the produce grown at the high school.
"The looks on the faces of the students is just, it's incredible. 'They're like, wow, that's grown at our high school!'" Seefeld said.
Junior Amanda Estes said the lettuce tastes fresher, and she's enjoyed being part of the project.
"I hadn't really done gardening before this. I just think it's so amazing how a little tiny seed becomes a whole head of lettuce that can feed one whole person as a meal. I just think it's really kind of magical," she said.
Besides learning about growing food and feeding her classmates, Estes said she also feels like she's making a difference in her community.
"The environmental footprint of this farm is a lot smaller than the lettuce we were getting previously. It takes over 90% less water and 90% less land, and I feel I am making a difference, however small, in my community." Estes added.
October is National Farm to School Month. Schools nationwide are exploring innovative ways to boost student nutrition, reduce food insecurity, and connect learning with health.