Youth Farmstand Project at New Jersey Training School

TRENTON - Through a unique partnership with Rutgers University, the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission is selling local "Jersey Fresh" produce, plants and products at the New Jersey Training School (NJTS) located in Monroe Township.

For the Thanksgiving season juveniles will be selling pumpkins, homemade fruit pies, corn and other items to employees at the secure facility.

The collaborative effort between the Juvenile Justice Commission and Rutgers' New Jersey Urban Ecology Program allows juveniles who have been adjudicated by the New Jersey Family Court system to learn important business skills while providing a community service.

"The juveniles participating in this program have made mistakes. The Youth Farmstand Project allows them to provide a service to the community while developing skills to help them succeed upon their release. By giving them the tools they need to succeed, we increase the likelihood that they will lead productive lives when they return home, instead of returning to the correctional system," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "The business skills that these young people learn by operating a farm stand can apply to any retail job and provide these young people with experience they can use to help find employment when they return to their communities."

The Farmstand program is currently operating year round within the perimeter of the secure juvenile correctional facility - the stand is open two days a week -- and is only available to employees. The JJC hopes to open the farmstand to the public soon as part of a new community initiative. The JJC operates several other, similar projects that are open to the public during the summer months.

"We're very excited to partner with the Juvenile Justice Commission to help adjudicated youth develop entrepreneurial skills and bring Jersey Fresh produce to communities across the state. For us, it is an example of how Rutgers University can partner with state government for the betterment of our youth," said Dr. Michael W. Hamm, Chair, Rutgers Department of Nutritional Sciences.

The fruits and vegetables are provided by local New Jersey farmers. The project provides affordable and nutritious food, while expanding markets for New Jersey's agricultural communities.

Juveniles participating in the Youth Farmstand Program attend a seven-day training course provided by the Urban Ecology Program which focuses on nutrition, customer relations, agriculture and food systems, produce handling and sanitation, career counseling, resume writing, public speaking, team building, cooking, marketing, pricing the produce, and presentation of the stand.

Students are responsible for all aspects of the stand operation including working with supervisors to order and price the produce, operating a cash box, maintaining financial records, and marketing their stands. Students will be tested at the completion of the program to see if they have improved in math skills, reading, nutrition concepts and business skills. They will learn how these skills relate to operating a successful small business while learning to appreciate the values of hard work, responsibility and education.

Any members of the press wishing to visit the Farmstand Project at the New Jersey Training School must make arrangements in advance to gain access to the facility. Please call Sharon Lauchaire, Public Information Officer at 609-530-6674.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com