In a neighborhood where 86 percent of the residents live at or below the poverty line, some of the older kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Palm Beach County wanted to earn money.
“We did a survey. Most of the parents said they struggled putting food on the table,” said Brianna Hollins. “We decided to build our business on giving healthy and nutritious food at a very low cost.”
And boy did it take off.
“Now this is the kind of shopping I like! You just tell them what you want and they put it in there,” said one customer.
For $30, shoppers at the Rise and Shine Co-op leave with at least double what they’d get at the grocery.
To meet demand the kids supplement their garden buying wholesale.
“They’re seeing the whole cycle, and I mean, that just broadens their horizons!” said a mentor.
It’s a real business with real dollars, but the Excel spread sheet does not reveal the whole story.
“It’s not all about making money, it’s about helping others that really don’t have it,” said Raven Pierce.
“My budget is very tight. And this makes it a lot easier for me,” said Ginny Lynn.
Quietly guiding the kids are mentors.
“They will tell you, every one of them, they’re going to be successful,” said Lottie Gatewood.
The Rise and Shine Co-op is a business with profits beyond any balance sheet.
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