Transforming Classrooms into Food Solutions: UAPB’s Groundbreaking Aquaponics Initiative Tackles Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects many communities. Dr. Karleah Harris from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) emphasizes the importance of addressing this problem. To tackle food scarcity, UAPB has teamed up with Watson Chapel Junior High School to implement an aquaponics system.

So, what is aquaponics? In simple terms, it’s a method where fish and plants thrive together in a shared environment. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, which in turn help clean the water for the fish. This clever cycle makes it easier to grow food indoors, benefiting schools and households alike. “This approach engages everyone—from students to teachers—encouraging hands-on learning about sustainability,” Dr. Harris explains.

Under the guidance of Dr. Harris and fish health specialist Kailash Bohara, students at Watson Chapel are raising channel catfish while also growing crops like onions, strawberries, and even tabasco peppers. This hands-on project not only offers fresh produce but also teaches students about agriculture and environmental science.

One teacher, ShaLa Jordan, shares the positive impact of the aquaponics system on her students. “It’s been rewarding to watch the growth of the fish and plants. It has become a part of our school culture,” she says.

Echoing this sentiment, teacher Deaquanita Lancelin points out how the aquaponics system connects classroom learning with real-world applications. Her students studied ecosystems and resource consumption, using the system to see these concepts in action. The excitement and curiosity of her class made the lessons memorable. "It helped them see how everything in nature interacts," she says.

Students are reacting positively, too. Jordyn Ellison explains that the system helped him see the interdependence of living organisms. Another student, Robert Henderson, enjoyed the hands-on experience of feeding the fish and learning about their biology. UAPB student Oluwademilade Ogunbade also notes the significance of this project, highlighting its potential to inspire critical thinking about sustainable food production.

Dr. Harris stresses that teaching communities to grow their own food can improve overall health and reduce dependence on external sources. "We need to invest in long-term programs that enhance food security and promote healthy diets," she says. By integrating education with innovative food production, schools like Watson Chapel Junior High can contribute to building healthier futures.

In 2022, a survey from the USDA showed that nearly 10.5% of U.S. households faced food insecurity at some point during the year, highlighting the need for initiatives like this. Creating awareness about nutrition and sustainable farming can lead to healthier communities.

This partnership between UAPB and Watson Chapel Junior High is more than just an educational project; it’s a step towards addressing broader issues of food security. Together, they are cultivating not just plants and fish but also knowledge and hope for a sustainable future.

To learn more about food security initiatives, you can check out the USDA’s Food Security report here.

Source link