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Power Point presentation used by Luanne Hughes of Rutgers Cooperative Extension during the Linking Classrooms and Cafeteria from Elementary to Elders workshop. Included at end of slide show is the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXgNcoDxDGU
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Youth Farmstands PromoteFarm-to-Cafeteria, Food Security &
Economic Development inAt-Risk Communities
The Seeds to Success Youth Farmstand Project
Luanne J. Hughes, MS, RD
Family & Community Health Sciences Educator
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County
First Things First…A Definition
• Farmstands: Throughout New Jersey, roadside stands pop up during spring, summer and autumn.
• Farmstands vary significantly…from more“sophisticated” standslike this to mere tableswith umbrellas!
Welcome to Our Farmstands…Youth Farmstands!
RCE Youth Farmstand Program
• A multi-faceted program that’s designed to: – Support local farmers– Increase work readiness & life
skills in at-risk youth – Build food security and
healthier, stronger communities
• We’re not just a youth employment program!
Why Farmstands?
• Rural-turning-suburban county of 329 square miles with 24 municipalities
• Fastest growing county in NJ• Fastest growing municipality on the
east coast • 160+ farms totaling more than 11,500
acres in farmland preservation• Agriculture is an $850 million industry.
The contrasts in our county afford great opportunity….
Everyone Benefits
Youth: • Workforce readiness skills• “Work ready” labor pool
for entry level jobs• Knowledge of agriculture
& food systems• Nutrition and food safety
education • Awareness of employment
pathways in agriculture
Communities:• Affordable, quality produce in
convenient locations • Food stamps (SNAP)
accepted• FMNP vouchers accepted
(WIC & Seniors)• Economic development
Local Farmers:• New markets • Market research• Pool of future employees
Program Benefits
Youth Partners
Workforce Skills (SCANS) Life Skills
Entrepreneurial Orientation
Farmstand Worker Certificate
Developmental Assets
Local Farmers
New/Expanded Markets
Increased ProfitLocal Market
ResearchJersey Fresh Promotion
Communities
Quality Produce
Nutrition & Food Prep Education
Voucher Acceptance
ResidentsEconomic
Development
Improved Labor Pool
Increased Tax Base
Positive Community
Image
Our Kids & Our Communities…
• Seeds to Success targets 3 at-risk communities in Gloucester County, Southern New Jersey
• Glassboro, Paulsboro, Woodbury:
– Top 3 communities where food stamp recipients reside
– ≥50% residents at or below poverty level
• Youth partners are all special needs youth
Outreach, Outreach, Outreach!• Seeds to Success is the largest local youth farmstand
initiative in the state, employing up to 50 youth, 6 supervisors and 3 managers annually at 3 locations in Gloucester County, NJ.
• Participants receive hourly salaries(minimum wage+) and participatein profit sharing at season’s end.
• Seeds to Success is a collaborative effort between RCE and representatives from 70+community groups, agencies, municipalities and school districts.
More Outreach…
• The agribusiness community benefits by the farmstand purchasing an average of $13,000 in locally produced goods each year, which are purchased by residents in 3 at-risk communities.
• 15-20% of annual sales are attributed to consumers who redeem FMNP produce vouchers.
How Farmstands “Work” for Youth?• Youth experience owning
business
– Youth as “partners”
– Supervisors as “instructors”
• Youth paid hourly wage & share profits
• Educational components
– School-based education
– Farmstand training
– Farmstand operations
– Summer enrichment
School-Based Education
• Nutrition• Produce preparation• Safe food handling • Produce identification • Business math • Banking procedures• Character education
Farmstand Training
• Customer service • Cash register operation • WIC/senior vouchers • Weights & measures • Banking procedures• Farmstand safety• Purchasing & inventory• Produce identification • Produce preparation• Workplace expectations
Farmstand Operations
• Youth make operational decisions
• Learn-by-doing approach– Purchasing– Pricing– Display– Inventory– Promotion– Market research– Customer service
Summer Enrichment
• Agriculture & food systems• Produce identification• Career planning• Nutrition• Goal-setting • Decision-making• Resume writing • Interviewing• Field trips
Funding…
Over the past 7 years, Seeds to Success has been funded through a variety of different mechanisms:
• USDA CYFAR (Children, Youth and Families At Risk) New Communities Project 5-year renewable grant
• Valero Benefit for Children grant
• NJDA “Jersey Fresh” grants
• Glassboro Neighborhood Preservation Funding Program
• Glassboro School District
• County of Gloucester
Need More Information?
Luanne Hughes, MS, RD: [email protected]