Sprouting Out—Phase II

March 2012 The Monthly Sprout e-newsletter

Our project teens have created an e-newsletter! They research, write and edit articles which communicate all the activities that are going on in the Sprouting Out initiative. They also use this newsletter as a vehicle to educate others on social and environmental issues related to our program, our neighborhood and our planet.  

February 2012 Seedling Production

Seedlings production is another main competent in our Sprouting Out sustainable business model. With the help and guidance of Marcos, one of our professional experts, the teens are learning indoor seed germination—(raising seedlings under fluorescent lights), what are basic plant nutrients and watering needs and how to install fans for proper ventilation in creating indoor breezes.100% of the teens will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this service-learning activity.  

The teens are now making plans for a community Spring Seedlings Sale. At this sale the teens will also provide instructions to the public on how to care for seedlings and how to transplant them into their gardens. The seedlings will also be available for purchase at our farmers’ markets throughout the growing season.

January 2012 From Seed-to-Plate

This aspect of our program is aimed at improving the health of teens through nutritional education. We encourage teens to take control of their well-being through knowledge and action.  This component focuses on teens learning how to prepare healthy dishes using a variety of vegetables grown in our gardens and sold at our farmers’ markets.

With the help of a local expert chef, teens are developing hands-on experience with meal planning and acquiring cooking skills. They are learning how to make nutritious food choices that they can incorporate into their diets and educate their families. So they too can also enjoy the health benefits of fresh, nutritious foods at home.

A community educational need that the teens identified through hosting farmers’ markets was that a greater availability of fresh produce did not always translate into people knowing what the food was or what to do with it.

The teens teach what they learn—this is a vehicle to educate families, youth and neighbors on health and nutrition issues, including how food is grown, harvested and prepared.

100% of the teens, ages 16-18, will research and present a nutrition workshop to area students and at our farmers’ markets, building their nutritional knowledge and enhancing their communication and public speaking skills.

80% of our teens have reported an increase in their knowledge of nutrition and an improvement in healthy eating habits.

December 2011 Vermicomposting

The next component in our sustainable business model is the creation of a vermicomposting system.  Our teens are learning how to develop and maintain worm composting bins. Using program food discards from veggies and fruits (no meat or diary!) to feed the worms, the teens are establishing bins that will enable them to grow earthworms that will be sold at our seasonal farmers markets and to use them to enrich our gardens.

Marisol, our garden and vermicomposting expert is instructing the teens on worm bin development and maintenance. Under her expertise the teens are learning the important roles these remarkable creatures have in nature. Such as mixing and aerating the soil, improving soil structure and water infiltration, bringing up minerals in the soil, making nutrients more available to plants, breaking down plant and animal material into compost, and increasing beneficial microbial action in the soil.

To spread the word about vermicomposting, teens will conduct demonstrations at their farmers’ markets on the importance of worms for soil health and show their video on how to create a worm bin at home, with step-by-step instructions for adults and children.

November 2011 Sprouting Out Soaps!

Because of an amazing partnership with a Chicago soap-maker artisan from Abbey Brown Soaps, the Sprouting Out teens have developed their own line of organic soaps! Through a series of workshops at her facilities, she provides with the expertise and marketing skills needed to make and market their product.
A rotating team of ten teens take ownership and leadership of the soap-making production. Each taking on different aspects of the project such as; making, packaging, marketing and selling the soapThe Sprouting Out teens have launch right into action, thanks to SFYAB!

Because of the supportive funding from SFYAB and an amazing partnership with a Chicago master soap-maker from Abbey Brown Soaps, the Sprouting Out teens have developed their own line of organic soaps!

Through a series of workshops at the Abbey Brown facilities, teens are provided with hands-on experience and marketing skills needed to produce and promote their product.

A rotating team of ten teens take ownership and leadership of the soap-making production. Each taking on different aspects of the project such as; making, packaging, marketing and selling the soap.

The teens have been busy—mixing, pouring, cutting, curing, designing, packaging, marketing and selling over 500 bars of soap! They are individually hand-made by the teens using herbs grown in their gardens. The soaps come in three great smelling scents—lavender, rosemary and lemongrass. Right in time for holiday sales!

Through this hands-on entrepreneurial project the Sprouting Out teens are acquiring more business skills and also learning the importance of what they put on their bodies as well. Their goal is to make and sell over 2,500 bars of soap!