Horticulture students at the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Learning Center and Child & Career Development Center are growing produce for the Chester County Food Bank, according to a report in the Daily Local News.

“We are so excited to further our relationship and work with Chester County Food Bank,” said Mike Walls, horticulture instructor at the CCIU Learning Center.

Walls said that for years participants had been growing produce in garden boxes then forwarding them to the culinary shop on campus. However, the program is now expanding.

“Students are working with growers to start seedlings and grow lettuces in the aquaponics systems,” he said. “Once harvested, the lettuce is delivered to food pantries in Coatesville.”

The idea to start growing food in the greenhouse, and partnering with Chester County Food Bank comes from the organizational goal of the CCIU. It aims to help the community at large while also benefiting the students.

The project has made two donations of produce so far this year. Now, students and staff plan to continue collaborating throughout the year with food banks.

Read more about the CCIU’s program in the Daily Local News here.

[uam_ad id=”80503″]

.

[uam_ad id=”80502″]