OFM_HSReportCardV2_0819FINAL.QXD_Pages 7 / 23 / 19 4 : 13 PM Page 6 A student pruning plants at Ocoee High School’s garden . Nutrition Services for Orange County Public Schools ( OCPS ) , says the change has been a huge benefit for the district because the FDOACS connects schools to local famers . And through the agency’s Harvest of the Month School Program , menu planning can be done by what seasonal produce is available . School districts can also participate in opportunity buys where farmers with excess produce will sell to them at a reduced price , which helps keep costs low for school food programs . The result of all this is a host of new menu concepts such as fresh hummus served with cucumbers for dipping and beef pot roast with yellow squash . Gilbert says students have been receptive to the new cafeteria offerings . “ I think [ our students ] are just like a lot of other consumers these days — they like everything fresh , ” she says . While OCPS is sourcing more produce from local farms , one local high school’s cafeteria has begun receiving ingredients from the school’s very own student - run hy - droponic garden . Ocoee High School students began growing cucumbers and tomatoes at their school after 4 Rivers Shokehouse’s philan - thropy arm , The 4R Foundation invested $ 60,000 into renovating a shade house and greenhouse for the school’s horticulture de - partment . With their new hydroponic garden , Ocoee’s students have learned not just what it takes to grow plants but about selling them too , which they did this past school year by becoming a vendor to OCPS . The students ’ cucumbers and tomatoes were then used in food preparations at their own high school . Edgewater High School has also recently received a greenhouse and agricultural tools through The 4R Foundation and its program is set to begin in the fall . “ Historically , most horticulture programs focused on growing ornamental plants , but with these new greenhouses the focus has shifted to growing healthy food , ” says Mike Armbruster , associate superintendent for OCPS Career and Technical Education . “ The bigger vision is to have future generations understand and have access to healthy food where they live . ” ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM august 2019 ORLANDO FAMILY 31