Sixth through eighth graders at Monroe Demonstration Academy in north Tulsa will grow organic produce, study nutrition and learn entrepreneurship skills starting this school year through a formalized partnership between Tulsa Public Schools and Food on the Move Inc.

The TPS Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the nonprofit's aGrow program at Monroe at its Aug. 17 meeting. The item was on the consent agenda. The agreement covers the 2026-2027 school year and carries no cost to the district.

It costs the district nothing.

Under the MOU, Food on the Move will provide hands-on training in growing organic produce, entrepreneurship development and nutrition education, according to district documents. Students will also receive weekly nutrition calls reinforcing healthy eating habits and food justice principles. Oklahoma's CareerTech system may provide professional development and curriculum guidance to support the program.

The partnership isn't new ground for either organization. Food on the Move, founded in 2014 by musician Taylor Hanson, has previously worked with Monroe students on aquaponics and hydroponics techniques through its farm-to-school programming. The nonprofit received a $100,000 USDA Farm to School grant for that work and was the only Oklahoma organization selected, according to Food on the Move. The George Kaiser Family Foundation provided matching funds.

In a news release announcing the USDA grant, Kevin Harper, CEO of Food on the Move, said the organization sees a direct connection between gardening and academic performance, describing the programs as forging pathways for students through food.

Monroe Demonstration Academy serves students in grades six through eight at 2010 E. 48th St. N. in Tulsa. Food on the Move's stated mission is to transform food deserts and address food insecurity through access, education and innovation, and the aGrow program brings that work directly into the classroom by giving students real-world agribusiness skills.

The district tied the MOU to Board Goal 3, which aims to increase the percentage of graduates earning post-secondary credits and qualifying credentials from 43% in May 2022 to 54% by May 2027. Since its founding, Food on the Move has distributed millions of pounds of fresh produce across Oklahoma.

The next TPS Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.