Commack Students Grow Fresh Produce for Community Members

Commack High School is helping to feed the hungry. Science teacher, Ryan McGrath, with the support of the entire science department, has refurbished the greenhouse in one of the school’s courtyards, and an edible garden is growing well for the second year.

Mr. McGrath and Director of Science, Alison Offerman-Celentano, coauthored a grant application to Whole Kids Foundation and were awarded a $2,000 grant. The garden was started by Mr. McGrath and a few students in the spring of 2013 with one raised garden bed. The Commack Lowe’s provided a grant last year, and the garden was expanded to three raised beds.

The monies from the Whole Kids Foundation will be used to erect winterizing tunnels to extend the growing season so the garden will provide the local food pantry with more fresh, organic produce.

The produce provided from the high school is donated to a local food pantry, and “leaves the pantry the day we deliver it, which indicates there is a great need for free fresh vegetables and fruits in our community,” said Mrs. Offerman-Celentano. “We will also use the funds to purchase additional tools to quantify our crop output each season so that we can plan accordingly over the winter to either sustain or increase our yield. Currently, we estimate our production at 10-20 pounds/week which we hope to increase to better provide fresh produce for our community members. It is our hope to provide a greater service to our local community and continue to educate our children about the importance of healthy eating and the significant need for edible gardens.”

Mr. McGrath and his students have worked closely with The Long Island Community Agriculture Network (LICAN) to receive assistance with the setup of the first raised bed and to provide information to be successful in the first growing season. They continue to provide support for our food-to-table garden initiative.

Story & photo by Brenda Lentsch