Loganlea Mini Farm Launches

Student harvest ensures no one goes hungry

Students at Loganlea State High School are working to tackle food insecurity in the City of Logan, one garden bed at a time.

The Mini Farm Project at Loganlea State High School launched today after two years in the making to a backdrop of school-grown, harvest-ready vegetables.

The sustainable ‘mini farm’ on the school grounds was brought to life through a partnership between Loganlea State High School, Logan City Council, Griffith University and The Mini Farm Project.

The school’s agriculture students have been learning about sustainability and urban farming, with the fruits of their labour destined for local families in need and charities that provide food relief.

Mayor Darren Power said the project would yield more than just practical knowledge for students.

“It’s fantastic to see students in the City of Logan learning about urban farming and sustainability with a global issue like food insecurity front of mind,” Cr Power said.

“As the community continues to feel the impacts of cost-of-living pressures, the food relief this project will deliver could not come at a more important time for our local charities.”

Economic Development Chair Councillor Jon Raven said The Mini Farm Project is a clever initiative that has practical benefits for the community.

“This is innovation that helps create a more sustainable and liveable Logan,” Cr Raven said.

“The benefits of this project reach well-beyond the classroom with the produce grown at the school going to those who need it most.”

The sustainable Mini Farm complements the school’s existing agriculture curriculum which includes a working urban farm with cattle, pigs and poultry and an indigenous food forest.

Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said The Mini Farm was an important addition to the school community.

“I’m very impressed to see the passion the students have for their Mini Farm,” Cr Hall said.

“The project will leave a lasting impact on the students that take part and the wider community, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow over the coming months.”

The demand for food relief in Logan is a reality that The Mini Farm Project founder Nick Steiner said charity organisations can’t keep up with.

“All of the charities that we work with are overwhelmed with demand at the moment, and they are now seeing a lot of full-time employed people reaching out for support too,” Mr Steiner said.

“Our Mini Farms are about more than growing a carrot or some lettuce. The free produce they provide to local charity partners is invaluable and breaks down the barriers between donors and the charities they support by building a community around the produce.”

For more information on the Mini Farm Project and how to support The Mini Farm Project at Loganlea State High School, go to: mfp.org.au.