Horticulture students at Community High School are growing skills for their future - and sharing a taste of success with the entire school. 

Fresh jalapeños straight from the school garden were part of the menu for Nacho Day. Teacher Lewis Foote and his classes have put a tremendous amount of work into achieving and maintaining a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, which requires meeting strict federal food safety and sanitation standards. 

“Because Mr. Foote led CHS to earn this certification, his classes have the rare and awesome privilege of being legally allowed to grow, harvest, and serve their own produce directly in the school cafeteria,” said Michele Smith, director of Career and Technical Education for Buncombe County Schools. “This isn't just textbook learning; it’s hands-on career preparation. Students are learning the ins and outs of sustainable agriculture, commercial food safety, and supply chains. They get to see the literal fruits - and peppers - of their labor go from a tiny seed in the dirt to a classmate's lunch tray.”

Students are looking to bring more farm-to-school menu items to share throughout the school year.