The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has named Lisa McGovern, School Food Director for Hudson City School District in NY, recipient of the Fork Farms Equipment Grant to provide a new Flex Farm indoor hydroponic growing system. The grant is among 2026 SNF Equipment Grants available to help school meal programs overcome staffing, budget or operational challenges. The additional funding supports programs working to expand fresh and scratch-made menu options, increase efficiencies and enhance the cafeteria experience to nourish students’ school days.The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has named Lisa McGovern, School Food Director for Hudson City School District in NY, recipient of the Fork Farms Equipment Grant to provide a new Flex Farm indoor hydroponic growing system. The grant is among 2026 SNF Equipment Grants available to help school meal programs overcome staffing, budget or operational challenges. The additional funding supports programs working to expand fresh and scratch-made menu options, increase efficiencies and enhance the cafeteria experience to nourish students’ school days.
McGovern is one of four recipients of the grant (estimated $5,500 value each) for a new compact indoor hydroponic growing system, which can yield more than 394 pounds of fresh produce annually. The new Flex Farm will be installed in the cafeteria at Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School. During the warmer months, students are able to help take care of the chickens and maintain the outdoor salsa garden, where they grow cilantro, peppers, and tomatoes. The Flex Farm system will enable McGovern and her team to harvest fresh herbs, leafy greens and vegetables year round when outdoor beds are frozen, extending their farm to school efforts through long NY winters.[Text Wrapping Break]
Over the last few years, food service staff has undergone training in fresh food prep and knife skills to utilize more fresh ingredients. The efforts have helped McGovern and her team to significantly increase scratch cooking. Last year, more than 30% of the food budget was spent on locally grown and produced foods, with staff developing unique recipes using Hudson Valley ingredients, including Adirondack Purple Potato Smash, Cilantro Lime Purple Napa Cabbage Slaw and Teriyaki Trout.Over the last few years, food service staff has undergone training in fresh food prep and knife skills to utilize more fresh ingredients. The efforts have helped McGovern and her team to significantly increase scratch cooking. Last year, more than 30% of the food budget was spent on locally grown and produced foods, with staff developing unique recipes using Hudson Valley ingredients, including Adirondack Purple Potato Smash, Cilantro Lime Purple Napa Cabbage Slaw and Teriyaki Trout.
“The Flex Farm will provide us with a living classroom in the cafeteria to support nutrition education and encourage students to try new foods, which can be a challenge,” said Lisa McGovern, School Food Director. “We can help students understand the full journey from seed to plate and deepen their understanding of sustainable agriculture while strengthening our farm to school efforts across the district.”
In a recent School Nutrition Association survey of school meal program directors, 94% of respondents reported a need for more equipment and infrastructure to expand scratch preparation and reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods.
“Building upon the successes of their outdoor garden, this grant enables Lisa and her team to extend the growing season for fresh ingredients while engaging students in the cafeteria with the living classroom experience,” said SNF Chair, Gay Anderson, SNS.
As the recipient of the Fork Farms Grant, Hudson City School District will work with Fork Farms brand representatives to have the Flex Farm system delivered this school year.
About School Nutrition Foundation:
The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is the charitable arm of the School Nutrition Association (SNA). SNF supports school nutrition professionals by offering grants and scholarships, providing free training opportunities and identifying research, trends and innovations. The 2026 SNF Equipment Grants are made possible by the generous contributions of Alto-Shaam, AmTab, Cambro Manufacturing, Food Warming Equipment Company (FWE), Fork Farms, Hobart (ITW Food Equipment Group LLC Brand), Innoseal, LTI, Inc., Vulcan (ITW Food Equipment Group LLC brand), and Winston Foodservice.
About School Nutrition Association:
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.
Related Articles
