Third-grade teacher Dennis Brosseau, Prairie Grass Cafe Chef Sarah Stegner, Dylan Liss (Grade 3), Ben Fitzsimons (Grade 4), Layla Maki (Grade 3), and Brandi Bombicino (Grade 3) taste the lettuce they've just harvested.
If you eat a salad featuring hydroponically grown lettuce at Prairie Grass Cafe in Chicago suburb Northbrook, it's most likely been grown by local schoolchildren.
Each week kids in the Green Growers Club at Ravinia Elementary School and third-grade teacher Dennis Brosseau, who heads the program, deliver a shipment of freshly harvested green butter lettuce to Prairie Grass Cafe chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris.
The Ravinia lettuce is served with blue cheese dressing, apple slices, and warm croutons. "We deliver it by 4:15 p.m. each Friday, and it sells out by Sunday," notes Brosseau.
"The lettuce is delicious, and the children have been a joy to work with," says Sarah Stegner. "It's rewarding to see their energy and enthusiasm. Our partnership with Ravinia Elementary School hits to the heart of how business and community can work together to empower our children. Everyone benefits."
Stegner adds, "I strongly believe that having a food curriculum in school is paramount. The kids get to see where food comes from beginning to end and each step of the way. It changes the way they think and ultimately educates them in making smarter food choices."
The Green Growers Club produces the hydroponically grown lettuce from September to April, staggering planting to ensure a weekly harvest of 24 to 36 lettuces. Not familiar with hydroponics? Fifth-grade student Lizze Insoft explains: "It's a system of growing without soil, with artificial sun. It's much easier and grows faster because water is constantly flowing. It's the only kind of lettuce I like."
In April, youngsters in kindergarten through second grade switch to soil and plant dwarf sunflower plants to give for Mother's Day. The third-grade students will grow 600-plus zinnia and cockscomb celosia plants to brighten their school and also sell in early June. Students grow tomato plants and basil to sell, too.
Does your local school have a greenhouse or window boxes? Any tips for gardening with kids?
Photo: Cindy Kurman, Kurman Photography