An aquaponics system has been installed at Orchard Knob Elementary School in an effort to provide fresh, organic food to the community and raise awareness of nutrition among families in Orchard Knob. Located inside of one of Chattanooga's "food deserts," access to fresh produce and fish is not an easy option for all families, said officials. Orchard Knob students hope to provide a solution through sustainable agriculture at their schools.
Lori Cleveland, a teacher at Orchard Knob, started a club of 2nd and 3rd grade students called the "Bucket-Filler Club." The goal of this group of enthusiastic 7 and 8-year-olds is to fill the community's food bucket. Through a grant awarded to the school by the Junior League, the Bucket-Filler Club commissioned HATponics to build an aquaponics system to be placed in the entry-way of the school to provide food and educate students and parents about the importance of fresh food and the possibilities of growing food in your own back yard.
The Bucket-Filler Club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-4:45 p.m. and there will be a ceremonious addition of fish and plants to the aquaponics system on Wednesday. The system will be used to grow strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and Hawaiian Golden Tilapia which will be donated to families in the community.