Garden to Groceries/Urban Treats, a project of the Memphis area Boys & Girls Club Technical Training Center, was launched in May. Club members and alumni, ages 16 to 21, make edible items from produce bought at the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market. They then sell the items. It’s an exercise involving everything from cooking to marketing to packaging.
By working with local farmers, the Garden to Groceries-ers learn about sustainability issues. According to the center director Tiffanie Grier, they’ve also been growing their own herbs and some vegetables. In addition, they’ve been working at a local urban farm making their own soil.
Participants first began selling seasonal items, like cilantro/lime/jalapeno pesto and lemon-basil cupcakes, last summer at the Cooper Young market and the Memphis Botanic Garden Farmers Market.
Now Garden to Groceries/Urban Treats baked goods are available at more outlets, and they’re currently taking orders for the holidays.
