Freight Farm creates learning opportunity in environmental science

Elizabeth Forward School District’s “Freight Farm” is increasing enthusiasm for environmental science, thanks to a grant from the Hillman Foundation. The district recently purchased the Farm, which is a high-tech hydroponic garden seated inside an upcycled shipping container, with the grant funds, according to an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The container can grow up to 13,000 plants at once in its 320-square-foot space, using less than five gallons of water per day.

The Freight Farm will serve as a hands-on laboratory for students enrolled in Environmental Science. Food generated will be used in the district’s cafeteria and distributed to local food banks.

According to the article, the idea first came from neighboring Trinity School District, which has a Freight Farm of its own.