2001 Youth Farmstand Project "Open for Business"

CAMDEN - Just in time for New Jersey's peak season, the State Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) announced its three farmstands offering fruit and produce, are "open for business."

Through a cooperative effort with Reuters University, the JJC has begun selling local "Jersey Fresh" produce in three locations through the 2001 Youth Farmstand Program. Juveniles who have been adjudicated by the New Jersey Family Court System are learning important business skills and providing a community service as a result of a collaboration between the State Juvenile Justice Commission and Reuters' New Jersey Urban Ecology Program.

"The juveniles participating in this program not only committed crimes against individuals, they violated the community's trust. Providing a community service allows these juveniles to take the first steps to repairing that trust," said Bruce Stout, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "In addition, the business skills that these young people learn by operating a farmstand can apply to any retail job. The greatest impact we can have on public safety is to reduce recidivism among young people. 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."

Fresh fruits and vegetables are available at the Reuters University Camden Campus, Fifth Street between Cooper Street and the Ben Franklin Bridge on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. In Jersey City, juveniles take orders from employees at the Hudson County Court House every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning and deliver the orders in the afternoon. The farmstand in Estell Manor, Atlantic County, is expected to open next week. Produce will be available on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the farmstand located in Atlantic County Park.

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

The program is still in its initial phase. One of Reuters' prime responsibilities in this joint effort is to help the JJC expand its program. Next year, the Commission hopes to operate three additional sites throughout the state. With the help of Reuters staff, the JJC will also expand its horticulture program to allow the juveniles to grow produce in greenhouses operated by the JJC as part of their vocational program. This year, the fruits and vegetables are provided by local New Jersey farmers. The young people in the JJC's custody will also begin growing seasonal plants for sale during holidays including Christmas and Easter.

The young people participating in the farmstand program come from Residential Group Centers operated by the Juvenile Justice Commission. These centers typically deal with lower level offenders and prepare them to return to their communities at the completion of their sentences. Juveniles are supervised by trained staff at all times. Juveniles who commit more violent crimes and who are sentenced to secure institutions are not eligible to participate in this program.

"The Department of Agriculture is pleased to be a part of the Youth Farmstand Initiative," said Bill Walker, Agriculture Marketing Specialist, Department of Agriculture. "This initiative supports the important goals of the juvenile justice system, while supporting our state's farmers."

In addition, this project provides affordable, nutritious food for urban communities, while expanding markets for New Jersey's agricultural communities.

"As a county prosecutor, I see troubled kids daily. It is through efforts like this one that provide youth with skills that they can use throughout their life-- not only business skills, but courtesy and cooperation - that will enable them to succeed," said Camden County Prosecutor Lee A. Soloman. "As a member of the Juvenile Justice Commission's Advisory Board, I am pleased that we could bring such a useful program to the youth of this state and provide a valuable community service for our cities."

"This program is an excellent example of what can be done when different units of government work together. Here, the State University, by cooperating with the Juvenile Justice Commission is giving young people who have made a mistake a chance to learn valuable skills and to realize that they have the ability to be successful without violating the law. The Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee is pleased to have been able to support this effort," said Judge B. Thomas Leahy, Chair of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee.

The State's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee recently approved a grant of $48,533 which funds staff from Reuters' NJ Urban Ecology Program to provide training to participants, project oversight and assistance allowing the Commission to expand its existing horticulture program.

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