Lincoln High School students are literally harvesting the benefits of a grant aimed at improving food justice and access to fresh food for their community.

A $181,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools grant from OSPI supported significant enhancements to green houses across the school district, including the hydroponic systems at Lincoln that helped produce their first batch of fresh lettuce in November.

Last week, students in the plant biology class took home the lettuce they grew, with leftovers offered to other students and staff during “Free Lettuce Friday.” Career & Technical Education teacher Kale Iverson – yes, that’s his real name - was excited to see over 45 extra-large bags of mixed greens given away.

As students clean and reset the hydroponic systems, Iverson said he hopes another batch of lettuce will be ready before the holidays, and that they can establish a Free Lettuce Friday schedule in the new year. 

Ultimately, produce grown in Tacoma Schools greenhouses could help fuel scratch cooked meals served through the school district’s central kitchen. Lettuce 🥬 be grateful for the amazing work of these students and staff and a community that invests in them!

See more photos of the project below: