New Food Forest at John Lewis

At John Lewis Middle School, we've embarked on a transformative initiative to address food insecurity in our community: the creation of a food forest. This sustainable, student-led project is designed to provide a reliable source of fresh, nutritious produce while fostering environmental stewardship and community resilience.

 

The food forest is a thriving ecosystem of fruit trees, berry bushes, perennial vegetables, and companion plants arranged to mimic natural forest growth. By integrating ecological principles, the forest minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, creating a self-sustaining environment that supports biodiversity.

 

Students actively participate in every aspect of the project—from planning and planting to maintenance and harvesting—gaining hands-on experience in agriculture and environmental science. The food grown is distributed to families in need through partnerships with local food banks and community organizations.

 

This initiative not only helps alleviate hunger but also serves as a powerful educational tool, teaching students and the community about sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and the value of giving back. The John Lewis Middle School Food Forest exemplifies how schools can be a beacon of innovation and hope, tackling critical issues through collaboration and creativity.