The Hood River (Oregon) Middle School is lucky to have teacher, Michael Becker, on its staff. He catalyzed its Food and Conservation Science (FACS) program with the establishment of a large greenhouse. His message was new to me: “You gotta have a kitchen on campus.”

Some years ago he went to his school board with notion of “Green STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).” They bought it. He hosted a eco-charrette to expand the school, and to incorporate a large greenhouse into its design as a living system to grow food and fish, to heat the school thanks to its 14,000 pound seasonal rock battery, and to educate its students. It now produces fresh tomatoes through December. The design also includes solar power, a radiant geothermal heating system, a giant rainwater tank.

Today, the school grows much of its own food, and even sells it in the community. After three years of harvesting food, cooking, and serving it, eighth grade students are certified as State of Oregon Food Handlers, which prepares them for jobs in the future. Students at the conference talked about their experiences, and their excitement about making food for the school board. At one event, the students served pizza to 150 people.

The commercial kitchen is known as the Conflict Café…teaching students about geography and world conflicts as they study, grow, and cook food from all over the world. FACS does all recycling for entire building. In the summer, students’ families take on gardens with summer sales at farmers market, allowing kids to earn money in the process.

Check out the International Living Future Institute’s Profile on the Hood River Middle School Greenhouse, here.