The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has named Megan Grippa, Child Nutrition Coordinator for Lebanon City Schools in OH, recipient of the Fork Farms Equipment Grant to provide the district with 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 Megan Grippa, Child Nutrition Coordinator for Lebanon City Schools in OH, recipient of the Fork Farms Equipment Grant to provide the district with 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.
Grippa 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. With many proven benefits of two existing Flex Farm systems at Lebanon High School, Grippa plans to utilize the new Flex Farm at Lebanon Junior High School. compact indoor hydroponic growing system which can yield more than 394 pounds of fresh produce annually. With many proven benefits of two existing Flex Farm systems at Lebanon High School, Grippa plans to utilize the new Flex Farm at Lebanon Junior High School.
Student, staff and parent interest in hydroponic growing has continued to increase with the expansion of fresh menu options across Lebanon City Schools. The quality of fresh grown lettuce such as romaine, butterhead and kale has been noticeable and well-received in salad bars and entree salads, helping boost meal participation. Fresh basil from the cafeteria has also been used for scratch-made pesto for pasta dishes.Student, staff and parent interest in hydroponic growing has continued to increase with the expansion of fresh menu options across Lebanon City Schools. The quality of fresh grown lettuce such as romaine, butterhead and kale has been noticeable and well-received in salad bars and entree salads, helping boost meal participation. Fresh basil from the cafeteria has also been used for scratch-made pesto for pasta dishes.
Expanding hydroponics to the junior high will also directly support the curriculum of an existing course called For the Love of Food. While students learn how and why to grow foods, the teacher can connect nutrition education with hands-on STEM activities. Lessons on plant science, sustainability and food systems come to life for students, who can then experience the full cycle when the produce is served in their own cafeteria.For the Love of Food. While students learn how and why to grow foods, the teacher can connect nutrition education with hands-on STEM activities. Lessons on plant science, sustainability and food systems come to life for students, who can then experience the full cycle when the produce is served in their own cafeteria.
“Expanding our number of Flex Farm systems allows us to reduce waste, support scratch cooking and strengthen relationships between students and the cafeteria. When students help grow the food, they are more excited to eat it,” said Megan Grippa, Child Nutrition Coordinator. “The hydroponic lettuce we grow is vibrant, fresh and long-lasting; when students see and taste the difference, participation increases and pride in school meals grows.”
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.
“Enabling schools to grow their own produce provides multi-faceted benefits. This grant enables Megan’s team to expand upon their fresh menu options while providing incredible hands-on learning opportunities for students,” said SNF Chair, Gay Anderson, SNS. SNF Chair, Gay Anderson, SNS.
As the recipient of the Fork Farms Grant, Lebanon City Schools 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.
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