LISBON -- Lisbon Central School District recently received new grow racks as part of a $300,000 grant for a farm-to-school pilot program in several North Country schools. The grow racks will be used to grow and harvest fresh produce year-round to serve in the school cafeteria.

The grow racks are sold by 2445 Organics of Massena, and patented by local businessman Andy Maslin. Maslin recently visited Lisbon central school to provide information about the technology and help with set up.

Lisbon's Food Service Director Rick Anderson has already planted a variety of plants and looks forward to incorporating the produce into the cafeteria's menus. Living Environment Teacher Tina Mitchell and Technology Teacher Paul Pierce are excited to incorporate the technology into their curriculum and see many learning opportunities.

According to Superintendent Patrick Farrand, "the entire school can benefit from this program and we are thrilled to be a recipient of the grant funding that made it possible."

"This technology is affordable, there is great potential for school gardens and the business producing these units is located right here in the North Country. The quality of the produce being grown in this greenhouse is obviously much higher than something triple washed and bagged in California and sitting on a shelf for who knows how long," Assemblywoman Addie Jenne, formerly Addie Russell, said in a news release announcing the funding.

For more information about Lisbon Central School District visit www.lisboncs.schoolwires.com.