READY TO VOTE? CLICK HERE!
OPERATOR AWARD FINALISTS
What innovative recipe, process, practice, or technology, are you currently taking advantage of with success in your program?
Cleveland Independent School District Cleveland, Texas
training, curriculum integration, and ongoing operational support, ensuring smooth implementation. Educators will receive lesson plans aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which can be adapted for subjects such as plant biology, sustainability, and culinary arts. In addition, CTE students in Agriculture and Culinary Arts will play a key role in maintaining the hydroponic farms, gaining career-ready skills while contributing to school meal programs. With produce being incorporated into school menus, students will not only learn about hydroponic farming but also taste the fruits of their labor in cafeteria meals, reinforcing the connection between what they learn and what they eat. HydroTribe is also highly feasible and scalable, making it a practical model for future expansion. Hydroponic Flex Farms require minimal space (just 3’x6’), 90% less water than traditional farming, and no soil, making them easy to implement in a variety of school settings. Unlike conventional agriculture, these farms can grow fresh produce year- round, ensuring a consistent supply of leafy greens and other nutritious ingredients. The program is designed for data-driven improvement, with regular feedback from students, teachers, and cafeteria staff guiding enhancements and potential expansion to more campuses in the future. More than just an educational program, HydroTribe is a movement toward healthier eating, environmental responsibility, and community collaboration. By engaging students in the science of food production and sustainable agriculture, we are inspiring the next generation of nutrition-conscious leaders and environmentally aware citizens. With hydroponic farming already generating enthusiasm across campuses, this initiative is positioned to become a model for innovation in school nutrition and education. By combining desirability, viability, and feasibility, HydroTribe is breaking boundaries in the K-12 space and setting a new standard for what’s possible in school food programs.
HydroTribe: Cultivating the Future of School Nutrition & Education
Our school district’s HydroTribe initiative is redefining the way students engage with food, sustainability, and hands-on learning. We call the initiative HydroTribe because it represents a united community - our “tribe” - coming together to grow, learn, and nourish both minds and bodies through hydroponic farming, while also honoring our school district’s mascot as the Cleveland Indians. Building upon the success of our Child Nutrition Department’s own hydroponic farm, which has sparked student excitement and proven the viability of indoor agriculture in schools, HydroTribe is now expanding into three elementary schools and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs in Agriculture and Culinary Arts. With lessons set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year and hydroponic Flex Farms currently being ordered, this innovative partnership will directly connect students, teachers, and school nutrition professionals in a shared mission of sustainability, health, and experiential learning. HydroTribe is highly desirable because it fosters student curiosity, supports hands-on STEM education, and strengthens farm-to-school connections. Students will actively participate in growing their own fresh produce, applying scientific principles through hydroponic farming while gaining a deeper understanding of nutrition, environmental sustainability, and food security. By integrating hydroponics into both the classroom and cafeteria, students experience the full cycle of food production, from seed to plate, reinforcing the value of locally grown, fresh ingredients. This program not only promotes healthier eating habits but also brings together the school community in a shared learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. Designed for long-term viability and sustainability, HydroTribe is fully funded through the Child Nutrition Department, eliminating financial barriers for participating schools. The program includes teacher
Powered by FlippingBook