When students return to school each fall, the air is filled with possibility. New subjects, new friendships, and new routines set the tone for a fresh year of learning and growth. At Fork Farms, we believe that growth should happen not just in the classroom, but in the cafeteria, too. That’s why we’re passionate about helping schools harness the power of hydroponic Flex Farms to both spark curiosity and nourish students with the freshest, most nutritious food grown right in the classroom or cafeteria.
Flex Farms are mobile, indoor hydroponic farms that can produce 25 pounds of fresh food in 28 days. Flex Farms empower schools to grow their own leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables, providing a steady, year-round supply of fresh produce. This access to fresh food is especially crucial for students who rely on free and reduced-price lunches. Flex Farms are currently making waves in more than 1,000 K-12 schools across the U.S. and provide numerous benefits to students, teachers, and foodservice directors.
As the school year begins, we are hearing from teachers and school nutrition directors on how they are preparing their Flex Farms again for new and returning students to learn from and enjoy. Here are some of the benefits they are sharing:
Flex Farms aren’t just hydroponic growing systems, they’re hands-on laboratories. Students can experiment with water chemistry, track plant growth data, and explore topics like photosynthesis, biology, and sustainable agriculture. These lessons go beyond textbooks, giving learners a tangible, real-world connection to science, technology, engineering, and math. And, because Flex Farms can grow all year round, the learning never stops. Learn more about the benefits of hydroponics in K-12 learning here.
Fresh food doesn’t just taste better - it fuels better learning. By growing leafy greens, herbs, and other produce on-site, schools can supplement their meal programs with hyper-local, nutrient-rich options. Students experience the pride of harvesting food they helped grow, then see it served in their own lunchroom. This provides a powerful connection between effort, responsibility, and reward. We know that when students grow or make their own food, they are much more likely to eat it, so more growing means more fresh foods in growing bodies. Read more about this in a study we did in collaboration with Keshena Primary School. What’s more - numerous studies have shown that students who eat balanced, nutrient-dense meals have higher test scores, better attendance, and improved behavior. The Flex Farm’s ability to supply fresh, healthy produce directly contributes to these outcomes, helping to set students up for success.
When students grow food together, they’re also cultivating teamwork, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of where their food comes from. These skills and values last far beyond the school year, preparing them to become informed, sustainable, and responsible citizens in a changing world.
Check out what some of our special school partners have been up to in these blog posts:
From Seed to Salad: Evergreen School District Celebrates Student-Grown Harvest with Flex Farms
Hydroponic Innovation in Action at Luxemburg-Casco High School
Growing a Greener Future: Winona Area Public Schools Celebrates Earth Day with a Fresh Harvest
This school year, let’s give students the tools to grow, in every sense of the word. With Flex Farms, the lessons they learn and the food they enjoy are rooted in the same soil of curiosity, care, and possibility.
To learn more about how Flex Farms can help grow both minds and bodies in your school district or other organization, please reach out to Fork Farms. We are always looking for new ways to grow and nurture the next generation.