Deer Park Students Win $3,500 Grant For Hydroponic Garden

DEER PARK, NY — Deer Park High School was recently named one of only nine finalists in the country for the nationwide TangerKids Members Choice grant program.

Earlier this school year, the school’s science, family and consumer science departments teamed up and applied for a $2,500 TangerKids grant to establish a hydroponic garden.

With the additional funding from Members Choice, voted on by the public, Deer Park’s total grant for the garden was $3,500.

According to the district, the garden will produce up to 384 pounds of fresh produce each year and provide students with direct and consistent access to fresh, nutritionally dense ingredients.

"By learning about hydroponic farming, science students can understand how this method contributes to sustainable food systems, reduces our carbon footprint and human impact on the planet," said Director of Social Studies and FACS Vanessa Langdon.

TangerKids representatives, led by Tanger Marketing Director Amaka Muir, visited the school on Jan. 31 to present the students and teachers with a ceremonial check.

"It’s going to benefit the school tremendously," Muir said. "Everything will be grown locally and the garden will be sustainable. We are so happy to be able to pick your school, and you all should be very proud."