Shop 5% Friday on April 25th to Support Concrete Farm to School

The mission of Concrete Farm to School is to build resilient students and families by providing access to healthy local foods, nutrition and culinary education, and hands-on gardening activities. The F2S program has been a key part of the Concrete School Districts' wellness plan since 2013 to increase access to local produce as well as offer standards-aligned lessons in school gardens and kitchen classrooms for Pre-K through 12th grade.

One of the most impactful aspects of the Concrete F2S program is the Summer Program Assistant opportunity. Since 2020, Concrete F2S has hired a team of four to six high school students as Program Assistants every summer. These students are paid minimum wage to grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers in the school gardens and greenhouse; harvest and sell produce and bouquets at the Concrete Saturday Market; teach Boys & Girls Club elementary and middle school youth about gardening and cooking; and receive job readiness training.

Concrete F2S has hired 16 students who have spent over 3,000 hours gaining job skills and leadership experience since the program began. For many students, the Summer Program Assistant position is their first time having a job and a bank account, and the hope is that they leave the program as confident, eager, and community-minded citizens, knowledgeable about the local food system and ready to succeed on their chosen path.

How Will Your Shopping Trip Support Concrete Farm to School

Funds from 5% Friday will be used to cover the cost of student wages and program supplies to continue providing students with the Summer Program Assistant opportunity. These essential program supplies include hand-clippers, seeds, toolbelts, and uniforms.