Healthy Eating Made Simple

Always Growing is High Prairie School Division's student-driven vertical farm initiative—where education meets innovation in a living classroom. Students from Prairie River Junior High School and E.W. Pratt High School actively manage the farm and grow produce like romaine lettuce, leafy lettuce, kale, and spinach. This innovative climate-controlled system allows students to grow food in all seasons and ensures a consistent supply of fresh and nutritious produce regardless of Alberta's harsh winters or unpredictable weather. Powered by curiosity and a passion for sustainability, students take the lead in production while gaining real-world skills in agriculture, business, and environmental science. Along the way, they develop essential life skills including teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, personal responsibility, and environmental stewardship. As a cornerstone of the division's nutrition and CTS programming, Always Growing provides healthy ingredients for school lunches while cultivating future leaders in food security and green technology. It's more than a farm—it's a place where youth grow their potential from seed to harvest. Every day brings discoveries as students monitor growth cycles, adjust nutrient levels, and witness the magic of sustainable food production firsthand. Initially, we're focused on supplying fresh produce to High Prairie schools and community members, creating a sustainable local food network that reduces transportation costs and environmental impact. As the program develops, we will potentially expand to surrounding communities. None of this would be possible without extraordinary community support. We sincerely thank the Buchanan Family Foundation and all other donors from the High Prairie community for making this initiative possible. Their investment goes beyond funding—they're investing in educational innovation, environmental sustainability, and the boundless potential of our students and community.