Sky Islands’ students take part in the ongoing establishment and maintenance of our site-based farms and preparing healthy food for school lunch through our Culinary Arts program . 

In the Urban Horticulture class, which is part of this program, students propagate seedlings in the greenhouse, select and plant seasonal vegetables to grow, install irrigation, and manage the farm. Then those students will take what they’ve grown and help supplement school lunches made in the fully-renovated school kitchen. 

In years past, students designed and built a chicken coop and housed 30 chickens in it. Students in the Urban Horticulture class continue to organically raise chickens and take responsibility for the health and safety of the flock. Eggs that our chickens provide are used in the kitchen to enhance the menu options.

Designed to provide students with an authentic kitchen and dining experience, as well as generating minimal waste, the lunches feature real glass, flatware and tableware (not paper or plastic), provisions for vegan dishes, and opportunities for select menu choices. Menu planning based on seasonal ingredients will allow us to do this at a very low cost to students—the goal is that every student, regardless of income, can afford healthy food for school lunch.