Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal summary:
like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which are
abundant in produce. It is estimated that 95% of
children do not consume recommended amounts of these and
other important nutrients. Childhood obesity rates in
the U.S., including North Dakota, are also a concern.
High-calorie, low-nutrient foods are a risk factor.
Poor nutrition can negatively affect brain development and
cognitive performance in preschool children. Many
children consume diets high in processed foods and low in
essential nutrients. Some families may struggle with
food insecurity, making it difficult to purchase fresh
produce.
lunch to 51 children daily. 18% of these children are
receiving tuition assistance through various forms.
They serve a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. Peace
Academy food program goals include serving fresh, whole
foods, helping children build lifelong, healthy food
relationships, offering children positive and diverse food
experiences and involving children in food preparation.
These goals, in conjunction with receiving fresh produce year
around will enable the program to serve produce at all
lunches, providing new food experiences to young eaters.
Project objectives from proposal:
Demonstration and Education:
Through the use of the Growing Dome, we will demonstrate our ability to grow produce year around in a controlled environment. We will partner with Peace Academy, providing produce to their food program, allowing us to invest in the future of our communities, supporting their strong food program goals and partnering with staff to educate the youth and their families about positive food relationships while developing interest in agriculture in an urban setting. Through this project we will provide nutrient rich produce to support brain health and overall nutrition, making it accessible to all families using the preschool program regardless of income.
Jason and Lynn Kotrba, as well as their eight children, will use the Growing Dome at the Kotrba farm to demonstrate our ability to grow produce year around in an environment that uses sustainable energy and allows for various types of produce to be grown at different times of the year. We will use social media and videography to document the project from initial planting throughout the harvest periods and this will be shared with others who are interested in learning more about how Growing Domes can be used in NW Minnesota. To educate youth and families at Peace Academy, we will partner with Peace Academy staff to provide learning lessons for 3-5 year olds that involve exploration and taste testing of various items grown in the growing dome in order to meet the goal of connecting youth with food in positive ways. We will also develop a hands-on workshop for parents of preschool students that will expose them to the benefits of digging in the dirt, growing their own produce and diets rich in nutritional value. We will use hydroponic gardens within the classroom to further connect youth with their food and demonstrate a method of growing when it is not possible to grow outside. The Growing Dome will be used to demonstrate to groups that visit the farm, our ability to grow year around as well as the impact that a green environment can have on mood throughout the year. Families and staff of Peace Academy will be encouraged to visit the farm to experience the Growing Dome at various times during the year and "see" where their food is coming from.
Objectives:
- Nutrition Benefits: a) We will provide a fresh produce supply to Peace Academy May 2025-December 2026. Providing fresh, locally-grown vegetables and fruits for preschool snacks and meals, enhancing nutrition and supporting healthy eating habits. b) Will will work with Peace Academy staff to teach children the importance of fresh produce in a balanced diet.
- Community Engagement: a) We will encourage families to participate in hands-on learning events at the farm, building a stronger preschool community.
- Cost Savings: We will lower costs of produce for Peace Academy, allowing them to purchase additional protein for meals.