What began as a simple classroom lesson has grown into a student-led initiative at Port Chester Middle School, blending nutrition, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Under the leadership of Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher Ms. Allison Fasano and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Colleen Carroll, students transformed a sprouts-growing lesson into “SchoolMade Sprouts.”

Dr. Carroll introduced the idea after growing sprouts at home. “When I realized how easy sprouts were to grow in a home kitchen, I knew they could be a simple and powerful hands-on learning experience in the classroom," she said.

After visiting FACS classes to teach students how to grow sprouts using jars and seeds, students took ownership. Sixth and seventh graders led the growing process, while eighth graders developed a Honey Pepper Vinaigrette, now sold for $5 to help fund the project.

“This project grew out of a lesson, but the students built their own business around it,” said Ms. Fasano. “They named it SchoolMade Sprouts, designed logos, and collaborated across grade levels.”

While the dressing is sold, the sprouts are given away for free to promote access to healthy food. “They wanted to support nutritional equity in their community,” Ms. Fasano explained. “When we share these sprouts, we’re showing that when one part of our community grows, we all grow together.”

The project connects directly to key learning goals, including sustainability, nutrition literacy, and civic responsibility, while building real-world skills like problem-solving and collaboration. “Students are learning that they can grow one of the most nutritious foods with very little cost,” Dr. Carroll added. “This kind of hands-on learning makes it real.”

“This is about more than just sprouts,” Ms. Fasano said. “It’s about the human ecosystem we are building and helping students see how their actions impact the community.”

Proceeds from the student-created dressing will directly support and sustain the initiative, ensuring “SchoolMade Sprouts” continues to grow its impact across the school community.