BEDMINSTER, N.J. - It is a power food that empowers.
A salad mix hitting the shelves of New Jersey grocery stores is grown, harvested, and packaged by students at Somerset Hills Learning Institute for young adults with autism.
"The mission of our school is to give children a chance at life," said executive director Dr. Kevin Brothers. "We're addressing the 85 % unemployment that exists for people with autism very directly."
The mixture of microgreens, flowers, and lettuces, branded Paradise Salad is arriving at its first store. A ShopRite in Chester, Morris County, with more locations on the way.
But before it gets there, it is grown in the greenhouses at Three Meadows Farm in Bedminster. Students plant the seeds, and the veggies grow hydroponically, so no soil is needed. Just water and nutrients, so the veggies can be grown year-round. The students, like 14-year-old Henry, can start as interns and can work their way up to be employees.
"When he ages out of the program in about seven years, his options for employment will be extremely limited," said Henry's mom Leighanne Castimore, who says her son does not ask questions or speak often, but the opportunity is helping him grow. "This is going to give him an option for employment as an adult."
The non-profit says 100 % of the profits come right back to the program and the students.
To see these people learn, grow, and get into hopefully the workforce one day is amazing, said Craig Hart of Three Meadows Farm.
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