Midtown Public Charter School, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a part of the larger non-profit organization Midtown Partners. The school was founded with the vision of providing exceptional educational opportunities to the children of the Midtown neighborhood. Rooted in the belief that excellent teaching—focused on developing character, self-efficacy, and critical thinking—can transform lives, Midtown Public Charter is dedicated to nurturing its students’ minds and hearts.

In 2024, the school launched its school garden initiative to promote food education,  enhance the school cafeteria with locally grown produce, and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in communities where many neighborhoods are classified as “food deserts.” With strong support from local farmers, chefs, and families, the garden has quickly become a hub for outdoor education, sustainability, and community engagement.

During the 2024-2025 school year, our FoodCorps member collaborated with school staff, local farmers, and parents to build an outdoor school garden and indoor hydroponic system. The project included installing 10 hydroponic kits to supply fresh greens to the cafeteria, teaching weekly outdoor education lessons to over 80 students, and leading cooking classes that engaged both children and parents. Several community events were also held to foster deeper connections between the school and its neighbors. As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we are excited to expand these efforts and continue growing our garden initiative!