In an effort to support neighbors facing food insecurity, Watertown Public Schools has launched a food donation initiative utilizing the district’s new Freight Farm, a converted shipping container designed to grow food year-round.

The 40-foot container enables the cultivation of food and crops in a controlled, self-contained environment, utilizing vertical farming techniques and a closed-loop system. Watertown Public Schools received the Freight Farm over the summer and is preparing the farm for student use starting in January.  

Growing operations began in October and school officials have begun donating the first harvests of lettuce to the Watertown Community Fridge, a shared food resource at the Watertown Free Public Library. In short order, the farm will be producing 1,000 heads of lettuce per week, helping to feed both families in need in Watertown and students in Watertown’s school cafeterias.

“The Watertown Public Schools Freight Farm is officially in full bloom, and we could not be more excited to harvest our first crops of red sail and oak leaf lettuce, kale, radishes, herbs, and more, said Superintendent Dr. Dede Galdston. “This innovative program brings high-tech, sustainable agriculture directly to our students, and we look forward to launching our Hi-Tech Farming course at the end of January. We are especially proud that much of our early harvest will be donated to community members in need during this holiday season.”

The Freight Farm is managed by Watertown High School teacher Evan Nabel. In January, WHS will launch a High-Tech Farming course, taught by Nabel.  In this course, students will learn about the environment, several important plant processes, the physics of light, energy consumption, and the chemistry necessary to grow crops effectively through managing two eight-week growing cycles in the freight farm. They will work in pairs to plan, initiate, and maintain a diverse selection of plants that they will harvest at the end of each cycle. Over the course of the semester, students will explore concepts in greater depth that they have learned in both their biology and physics classes. Students will also learn important chemistry topics and how to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, practical setting.

“The farm will allow students to experience the growing process from seed to harvest. Throughout the semester-long course they will gain a better understanding of where our food comes from and how technology can assist the hydroponic farming of hyperlocal produce. This is an exciting opportunity for both our students and our community,” said Nabel.

The addition of the Freight Farm is also boosting Watertown’s standing as one of the Farm-to-School leaders in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Farm-to-School program aims to increase local food purchasing by local schools in support of Massachusetts farmers and fishermen, while also expanding food and agricultural education.

Currently, the Watertown Public Schools Farm-to-School program provides food for cafeterias in Watertown’s five school buildings. Additionally, students enjoy access to Watertown’s three elementary school garden spaces, where they engage in hands-on learning by growing vegetables, developing maintenance skills, and composting. 

“Our Farm to School program is truly something extraordinary—it connects students to the earth, to their food, and to their community,” said Elizabeth Kaplan, K-8 Math and Science Coordinator and Watertown’s Farm-to-School Coordinator.  “From tending our school gardens to participating in schoolwide composting, our students are learning that they can make a real impact on the world around them and reminds us how capable young people are when given authentic, hands-on learning.”

The Freight Farm was funded in part through the Massachusetts FRESH CORP program. The FRESH (Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health) grant is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is aimed at increasing local food purchasing and educational opportunities in K-12 schools and early education.