Students from George P. Austin Junior High School applied their understanding of agriscience by producing and harvesting turnips, collards, and sweet potatoes to be served at schools prior to Christmas break.
On December 13, the Linden City Child Nutrition Program (CNP) fed staff and students about 350 meals made using ingredients that were purchased locally. Through a local school garden and lunchroom, the Grow Marengo Project aims to reintroduce kids to agriculture and job options. In their local schools, students take part in the growing and eating of veggies from plant to plate, learning about the basic requirements of plants and discovering hundreds of fascinating careers in agriculture.
Throughout the Junior Master Gardener curriculum, food safety is addressed at every turn. Students receive lifelong instruction in drip irrigation, plastic mulch, fertilizer, lime, and fundamental plant research techniques from local volunteers, extension agents, agricultural experts, and university specialists utilizing scientific methodologies. This cooperative structure cultivates the values of community and cooperating for the common good.
In less than seven years, Grow Marengo expanded from a 4H initiative at one school to more than eight schools and three community gardens spread throughout three counties in the Alabama Black Belt. There's one greenhouse, four container gardens, three hoop houses, and five traditional gardens. The Alabama Soil and Water 2023 Annual Report, FOX-6 News, and WAKA8 have all featured articles about the program.
All students in Alabama Public Schools could use the Grow Marengo concept as a guide to cultivate and consume their own veggies in the cafeteria while discovering a variety of fascinating agribusiness opportunities.
Campbell, Tommy (2023, December 27). Grow Marengo. The Leader. Pgs. 1-2.