Schools
Greenhouse to Provide Produce for Island Schools
A 30,000-square-foot greenhouse at Thimble Farm in Oak Bluffs is being restored to productivity as part of Island Grown Initiative's efforts to support local agriculture and sustainability.
Martha's Vineyard schoolchildren are already eating local produce, including Island-grown, grass-fed beef, in their school cafeterias. Some classes are even raising their own veggies and herbs in school gardens.
Beginning later this year, even more nutritious, locally-grown food is expected to arrive at Island schools from a 30,000-square-foot greenhouse now under renovation at Thimble Farm in Oak Bluffs.
Located almost a mile down Head of the Pond Road from Island Alpaca, the 41-acre Thimble Farm was purchased about a year ago by the nonprofit Island Grown Initiative, which in May of 2013 hired manager Keith Wilda to restore the farm to productivity.
In addition to raising food for Island schoolchildren, IGI's plans for the property include leasing acreage to local farmers and providing affordable farmworker housing.
The IGI's partners in Thimble Farm are the Island Housing Trust and South Mountain Company.
The first day of school is Sept. 9, 2013.