Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll led a delegation of state education officials on a visit to Watertown Thursday, as part of a tour that celebrated Watertown’s Farm-to-School program and the new WPS Freight Farm.

The visit highlighted a larger statewide funding initiative that aims to support local food production for schools. In total, the state handed out $1.2 million in grants, with Watertown receiving more than $82,000.

Watertown’s funding supported the procurement and installation of the Freight Farm, a converted 40-foot shipping container outfitted to grow produce and crops year-round, thanks to vertical farming techniques, hydroponics, and a closed-loop system. The Freight Farm was installed over the fall and is now fully operational, growing food for Watertown’s school cafeterias, the Watertown Community Fridge, and introducing a new high-tech farming course at Watertown High School. It has the capacity to produce close to 1,000 heads of lettuce per week.

Students led the Lt. Governor and officials on a tour of the Freight Farm and explained how it is increasing their educational opportunities. As part of the high-tech farming course, students are learning about the environment, important plant processes, the physics of light, energy consumption, and the chemistry needed to grow grops effectively through managing two eight-week growing cycles. Students are exploring concepts they have learned in their biology and physics classes, while also learning important chemistry topics and how to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, practical setting.

“I was blown away by our visit to the Freight Farm today, which is helping Watertown provide high-quality school meals every day,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We’re proud to support the work of school nutrition staff and educators, and we’re proud to encourage collaboration with local growers.”

The addition of the Freight Farm boosts Watertown’s standing as one of the Farm-to-School leaders in Massachusetts. The WPS Farm-to-School program provides food for school cafeterias, while also providing access to school garden spaces, where students engage in hands-on learning by growing vegetables, developing maintenence skills, and composting.

As part of the visit, the Lt. Governor joined Watertown officials and state officials for a press conference and lunch at the Lowell Elementary School, where they discussed the importance of strong school nutrition programs and increasing educational opportunities across the board for students in Watertown and Massachusetts. The event was catered by Watertown High School’s culinary students.

“At a time when we’ve seen reductions in food benefits and farm-to-school funds, it’s so important that Massachusetts is doing the opposite,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “This program will shape students' health and habits in the future.”