Messalonskee High School

Program Type: 
Garden Classrooms
Grade Level/Age Group: 
High School
Number of Individuals Program Serves: 
500
Year Founded: 
2015
About the Program: 

The goal of the Messalonskee High School (MHS) Garden Greenhouse Project is to provide our students with year-round access to fresh vegetables, fruit, and herbs. MHS will create a multi-disciplinary agriculture learning experience for students in the garden and greenhouse which is currently under construction on campus. Staff, students, and community members are interested in creating a sustainable garden greenhouse program that will expand each year, supply food to our salad bar and lunch program, and provide vocational experiences for students while partnering with local businesses and community organizations. Community members are concerned about rising obesity levels in our youth and are worried about diets that contain high levels of fat, sugar, and processed food. A study by the local hospital showed that 38% of our students are overweight or obese. Parents want students to develop lifelong healthy eating habits and learn the skills necessary to create their own gardens at home.