John Thomas School of Discovery earns $300K grant

Nixa Public Schools' John Thomas School of Discovery was selected for a $300,000 grant.

The funding awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production program goes toward the school's gardening initiative, according to a news release.

"JTSD is excited to be able to grow even more produce to supply their cafeteria needs, backpack program needs, as well as create a year-round consistent donation to Least of These food pantry," officials said in the release.

The John Thomas School of Discovery, a magnet K-6 school focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and math, plans to expand its tower gardens with the addition of a large greenhouse on school grounds.

Beyond increasing food production, the expanded initiative will facilitate an entrepreneurial project via internships for college students at Missouri State University; support continuing education about vertical farming, environmental impacts and agricultural sustainability; and expand the potential for additional partnerships, according to the release.

"The district is still raising more funds to complete the project, but this is the largest grant received for this project and will be a great step in expanding the program," officials said in the release.