Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A Juneau-based organization plans to help build a mobile greenhouse to teach students to become less reliant on imported food.
The project was developed by Lia Heifetz, the food security coordinator for the Southeast Conference, Juneau radio station KTOO (http://is.gd/MVRX95) reported.
The project will involve construction of a greenhouse on wheels to tour throughout the region, beginning with culinary students at Thunder Mountain High School, which is scheduled to take the greenhouse first. The greenhouse will visit schools for one year at a time.
Construction of the greenhouse is expected to be completed by May.
For the effort, Juneau Douglas High School students are volunteering their labor. Woodshop teacher Andy Bullick said it's an opportunity for students to practice skills outside the classroom.
"People will see a greenhouse," Bullick said. "I see it as a learning experience for my metals construction class."
Heifetz grew up in southeast Alaska. She said she noticed a lack of food security in the region after she returned home following her graduation from the University of Oregon.
"There is little access that people have to local, fresh foods," Heifetz said. Factors behind that dilemma include weather hazards and transportation costs.
About 95 percent of the food in southeast Alaska is imported, Heifetz found in a 2014 assessment of the food supply. There is a demand for local food, but a lack of know-how on cultivating and growing food in rural communities.
The greenhouse will be a classroom for teaching science, business and math, according to Heifetz.
"By producing our own food we have the opportunity to connect with our place more," she said.
___
Information from: KTOO-FM, http://www.ktoo.org
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
