MONTELLO, Wis. — In celebration of National Farm to School Month, on Monday, October 15th, Nelson and Pade, Inc.®, donated over one hundred heads of fresh, aquaponically-grown lettuce to the Westfield, Montello and Princeton public school districts. The lettuce is Certified Naturally Grown and is grown in Clear Flow Aquaponic Systems® at Nelson and Pade, Inc.®’s greenhouse facility in Montello, WI.
Aquaponics is a sustainable method of food production that combines fish and vegetables in one integrated, soilless system. When combined with controlled indoor farming, aquaponics can be done in any climate, 365 days a year, and produces 8 times the amount of leafy greens using 1/6th of the water compared to traditional agriculture.
Farms around the country are embracing the Farm to School concept, which enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food procurement and education practices at schools and preschools. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities. Farm to School empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.
Nelson and Pade, Inc.® is proud to be named a national Farm to School Outreach Partner, and a statewide Green and Healthy Schools provider. This is the fourth year in a row that Nelson and Pade, Inc.® has celebrated National Farm to School Month by sharing their fresh lettuce – grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals – with the 10 public schools located in the Westfield, Montello and Princeton School Districts. Students, teachers and administrators have expressed their sincere pleasure in receiving this high-quality, locally-grown lettuce to be served in the school lunch program. The lettuce grown at Nelson and Pade, Inc.® is produced year ‘round and is available at their onsite farm stand as well as local grocery stores, restaurants and hospitals.
Nelson and Pade, Inc.® helps people get started and become successful in aquaponic food production by providing training, proven systems and long-term grower support. To date, people from 109 countries and all 50 U.S. states have traveled to Montello to attend Nelson and Pade, Inc.®’s 3-day Aquaponics Master Class®.
For more information on Nelson and Pade, Inc.®, aquaponic food production, or to schedule a tour, visit: www.aquaponics.com or call 608-297-8708.
Farm stand details: Nelson and Pade, Inc.® W3731 State Hwy 23, Montello, WI 53949, Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm
For more information on the National Farm to School Program, visit www.farmtoschool.org
— Nelson and Pade, Inc.®
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