WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. - The West Middlesex Area School District has received over $10,000 to improve access to healthy, local food and to increase hands-on learning for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. 

The school district received $15,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to fund "Stronger Communities, Deeper Roots," a project aimed at transforming elementary STEM education by installing aquaponic systems in science classrooms. 

The program engages students with hands-on learning to foster a love of local food while cultivating the next generation of scientists. 

More than $460,000 in Farm-to-Table grants were awarded throughout the Commonwealth. West Middlesex Area School District received the maximum grant award.