LOGANLEA State High School’s new mini farm project is set to be a whirlwind of support for the local community, most recently receiving money for two industrial-scale lettuce spinners.
The project is growing food for families in need, and aims to create career paths for young people.
Founder and CEO Nick Steiner said the grant they received earlier this year was a much-needed boost at a challenging time for the Logan community.
“There are 47,000 people that require daily food assistance in this area and the new farm at Loganlea State High School will be the first of many to help resolve food insecurity,” Mr Steiner said.
“We lost all our crops during the floods at our Samford Farm earlier this year, but thankfully flooding didn’t affect the area where we plan to develop the new farm at Loganlea State High.
“Farms are always going to be at the mercy of the weather, but the ability to bounce back from adversity is a powerful lesson for the students and the community.”
Waterford MP Shannon Fentiman said the project provided not only education and training for students, it would grow fresh produce for locals through the Oz Harvest food relief program.
“Their grant from the Ergon-Energex community fund covered the cost of farm equipment and two large washing machines or, in this case, industrial-scale lettuce spinners,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The fund is all about supporting initiatives that help communities stay connected and safe, improve health and wellbeing, build resilience, and offer hope for the future, so I’d encourage groups across Queensland to apply for a share in over $100,000.”
Of the statewide fund, Energy minister and Springwood MP Mick de Brenni said previous recipients were shining examples the diversity of the fund.
“It’s great to see a number of community groups investing in disaster preparedness in bushfire, flood and cyclone zones,” he said.
“As first responders to severe weather events, Energex and Ergon see first-hand the power of initiatives to boost community resilience.
“Social inclusion is also one of the main aims of our Ergon-Energex Community Fund because the effects are life-changing for individuals and there are flow-on effects in our communities.”
