In this episode of GREEN OUR PLANET: GROW Together, host Ciara Byrne welcomes Michael Hostad, Executive Vice President of Impact Partnerships at Fork Farms, and Dr. Mark Hansen, Superintendent of Elmbrook School District, to explore how hydroponics can grow from a classroom learning tool into a powerful system for nutrition, STEM education, student engagement, and community impact. Dr. Hansen shares how Elmbrook has expanded its hydroponics program to produce thousands of pounds of lettuce each year, with approximately 30% of its lettuce now produced locally.
Ciara, Michael, and Dr. Hansen discuss what it takes to scale hydroponics across a district, from creative funding and repurposing facilities to connecting food service with hands-on learning. They also look ahead to the Green Our Planet Giant Student Farmers Market in partnership with Fork Farms in Green Bay, where students will turn what they grow into entrepreneurial experiences. Together, they share a bigger vision for reducing food miles, expanding access to fresh food, and giving students opportunities to solve real-world problems while reconnecting with the planet.
Key Moments
01:01 'Scaling Hydroponics for School Nutrition'
02:39 'Turning Hydroponics Into Hands-On Learning'
03:48 'Community Funding for Farm Expansion'
05:45 'Growing Food and Student Entrepreneurship'
09:19 'From Classroom STEM to Cafeteria Impact'
11:12 'Building Skills Through Harvest and Distribution'
12:25 'Bringing the Giant Student Farmers Market to Wisconsin'
15:43 'Removing the Glass Ceiling on Student Potential'
19:12 'Making Kids' Dreams Come True'
24:36 'Reimagining How We Grow and Move Food'
26:53 'The Vision for 100% Locally Sourced School Food'
32:13 'Reconnecting People With the Planet'
Why You Will Love This Episode
A practical and inspiring look at what becomes possible when schools connect hydroponics with nutrition, STEM, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning. Michael and Dr. Hansen show how strong partnerships and ambitious thinking can transform locally grown food into a powerful opportunity for healthier students, stronger communities, and meaningful real-world learning.
Connect with Guests
Michael Hostad | Executive Vice President, Impact Partnerships, Fork Farms
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhostad
Company Website: https://www.forkfarms.com/
Connect with Dr. Mark Hansen | Superintendent, Elmbrook School District
Company Website: https://www.elmbrookschools.org/
Follow Us
GREEN OUR PLANET: GROW Together
Host: Ciara Byrne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-byrne-3548619
Website: https://www.greenourplanet.org/
LinkedIn: https://ch.linkedin.com/company/green-our-planet
About GREEN OUR PLANET: GROW Together
GREEN OUR PLANET: GROW Together is the podcast where education, sustainability, and innovation meet. Hosted by Green Our Planet CEO Ciara Byrne, each episode spotlights educators, leaders, and partners who are creating hands-on learning experiences that connect students to the planet, build real-world skills, and inspire action in schools and communities.
What is GREEN OUR PLANET: GROW Together?
We connect people to the planet and each other. By teaching students, coworkers and families how to grow a garden we ignite the human spirit and transform communities.