A library is not usually a place you would expect to get your hands on some freshly grown vegetables, however, Troy University’s Library and the Office of Civic Engagement have partnered to feed students in a new way by using hydroponics.

“A few months ago I found a hydroponic farm in one of the library catalogs,” says Dean of Library Services Dr. Chris Shaffer. “I thought it would be a good potential outreach project for the library to teach student some more about healthy eating and where food comes from.”

The hydroponic farm uses nutrient based water filtered through plastic tubes instead of soil to grow the plants.

The first harvest from the farm was lettuce that was handed out to students to take home for meals.

The harvest also included recipes for students to prepare, a cheaper alternative to going out according to Shaffer.

“We’ve got recipes and ideas of what student can do with it,” says Shaffer. “Quite often if you are cooking for yourself it is a lot cheaper than if you were going out. So you can be healthy and have money in your pocket.”

For the full story watch Amya’s report.